Art of free play

Free play

In this day in age, many parents tend to over -structure a child’s day – planned activities like swimming, piano, learning of Math and numbers, soccer and basketball practices seem to be dominating their lives with the hope that the children will have all opportunities and an advantage over other children. Parents are notably starting off their children in these structured lives earlier and earlier – sometimes as early as two!

While it is very important to give children the opportunities that this competitive world has to offer, I would advise parents to slow down or even sometimes just stop. Let children be children and let them have plenty of time for ‘Free play.’

Free play is play time for the children that is not directed by adults. Do provide a bright room with at least 5-8 choices of toys and change the toys often. It should be supervised but made such that children make choices, friendships, communicate, play with toys of their choice, etc. Free play is very important for social, cognitive, emotional development of children.

Cognitively, when young children are given ample opportunities of free play, they tend to explore their environment on their own, test out their learning. The children get an opportunity to try out things they already know or don’t know. Socially and emotionally, it is a fantastic time for children to learn to play and talk to their peers or share their thoughts with adults. When interacting with peers, they learn what might work or not work, how to share, how to play, how to talk and communicate.  

A very important thing that all teachers and parents should remember is to provide this time – an hour or two every day for children up to the age of 5 years with little interruption and direction. When children are facing a challenge like a manipulative toy or solving a puzzle, help by asking questions rather than solving the problem for them. This will help them in the long run solve issues they might face.

Have a great free play time with your little one! Just let them be!!