Maybe this title should be the other way around, that PLAY connects to kindergarten readiness because it is through play that kids develop and grow. Play connects kids to learning and fun.
Last week, the question was: What do kids play with? From experience we can all know kids play with anything! both toys and non-toys. Today’s question is: And when do kids play? It might seem like the answer to this is “all the time” but play time is increasingly under pressure, as families get busier and busier. But the good news is that we can include play in activities that we are already doing. Play-of-the-day fun for kids can be part of work-of-the-moment for parents and caregivers.
Recently, while preparing supper, this two-year old was part of the action. As her parents worked in the kitchen, she was busy reaching into drawers and pulling out tools just as they were. Combining shopping and meal-prep, she “shopped” in the real objects and filled her toy grocery cart then wheeled it to another part of the kitchen. She stopped and fed her doll for awhile and then was onto something else. Children’s play activities are so important for understanding and interacting with their world.
While this little munchkin was sometimes in the way, she was able to enjoy some play time as the family worked at an ordinary, everyday activity. Kids can do this at other times as well, such as doing laundry, making the beds, and other jobs around the house. On the way to the bus, kids can sing, tell stories, and imagine. Kids can play when helping us sweep and vacuum, using both toys and real items. A little table in the home-office where kids can play with crayons and paper as they color and draw may keep little hands busy while grownup ones do paperwork.
Because days can be filled with so many things that need to be done, it’s easy to lose the time for play. Having ways that kids can play alongside the adults takes advantage of minutes throughout the day. What are some of the ways that you include playtime for your child?