Children crave interaction
Interacting with other children and exploring the physical world are invaluable experiences that contribute to a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Face-to-face interactions with peers help children build social skills, empathy, and teamwork abilities, which are essential for their future relationships and success in life.
In a fast-paced and technology-driven world, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of Free Play in a child's development and well-being. By providing an environment that sparks curiosity and excitement, Imagination City encourages children to PUT DOWN THEIR SCREENS and engage in imaginative play. This type of play not only stimulates their minds but also promotes physical activity, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
5 Things to Know About Play
1.
Children Learn Through Play
Children learn and develop cognitive skills, physical abilities, new vocabulary, social skills and literacy skills.
2.
Play is Healthy
Play helps children grow and counteracts obesity issues facing many children today.
3.
Play Reduces Stress
Play is joyful and provides an outlet for anxiety and stress.
4.
Play Is More Than Meets The Eye
Play is simple and complex. There are many types of play: symbolic, sociodramatic, functional, and games with rules-to name just a few.
5.
Play And Learning Go Hand-In Hand
They are not separate activities. They are intertwined. Think about them as a science lecture with a lab. Play is the child’s lab.
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn
- O. Fred Donaldson
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.
- Mr. Rogers
Play turns out to be so stunningly essential to childhood, It’s like love, sunshine, & broccoli all juiced together.
- Lenore Skenazy
Children need the freedom to appreciate the infinite resources of their hands, their eyes and their ears, the resources of forms, materials, sounds and colors.
- Loris Malaguzzi