The type of play that has been suggested to play an important role in the development of children’s brain is referred to as ‘’free-play.’’ These are the types of play that do not require umpires or coaches and therefore do not have rules. Such kinds of play give the children a sense of autonomy in deciding the game, what they are going to do in the game, and the necessary rules they might need to follow. The games also give the children the power to negotiate. All these procedures help the brain in building circuits in the cortex that assist in navigating the complex social interactions they engage in (Hamilton, 2014).
Certain games can be used to improve creative problem solving, an important factor in cognitive ability. In determining this, scientist and psychologists did an experiment that was conducted by giving children two types of playing materials including those of convergent play and divergent play. The convergent playing materials include puzzle pieces while the divergent playing materials include blocks. The children who played with divergent materials depicted a better ability in solving divergent problems and increased creativity. Also, kids that engage in ‘'pretend play'' were observed to depict a high ability in solving divergent problems. Such kids also possess better self-regulating skills. Children that engaged in block play showed better mathematical skills in school due to the complexity involved in the game.
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Thirdly, children who play with toys have the ability to learn about themselves, their world, and also about others. Toys teach children several things including figuring out how things work, picking new ideas, and controlling and coordinating body muscles, solving problems, and also learning how to cooperate with others (’’Play Is the Work of the Child’’).
How Play Contributes To Healthy Mind, Body, Spirit Development in Humans And Other Species
Brain development owes much to playing than classroom activities. The experience that is achieved through playing is essential in modifying the brain in such a way that children can regulate their emotions, solve problems, and even make plans. In developing a healthy mind, playing enables human beings especially children to be active, improve in the art of mastery, and also make choices about things in life. Also, play assists in emphasizing the content taught in class such as music, art, language, math, and science among others hence having a marked impact on the development of a healthy mind. The body is another beneficiary of the play in human beings. Playing ensures that children explore their body and hence tend to understand their strengths and weaknesses. It also promotes body development through games such as running and pulling toys. It also makes sure that children can explore their environment and hence developing resilience with factors that tend to cause them, adversaries. In the development of the spirit, playing ensures that human beings can socialize, improve on their aspect of personal awareness, and emotional consciousness. Through all these, they tend to have a sense in belief amongst themselves such as a winning mentality, especially in games that require competition.
Equally, animals also engage in playing just as much as human beings and also benefit to a greater extent from it. Experiments that were carried in the 19 th century using rats concluded that the ones which were raised in toy filled and exciting cages depicted a better brain development than those that were caged in boring premises. The ability of the brain was measured by their ability to maraud and find their ways through the cages faster. Other types of animals that also tend to participate in playing include dogs, cats, monkeys, and birds. In animals, play is important as it enables them to communicate with another and also enhances their socialization skills. It ensures that they remain lively by exploring the bodies of each other. It also enhances certain skills such as attacking their prey (Dewar, 2014).
Areas of Agreement from the Articles
The articles have unanimously agreed on the fact that the development of cognitive ability in children has much to do with playing. They also postulate that engaging in playing activities is especially important in the development of a region in the brain known as the cerebral cortex. They are also in agreement that animals, just like human beings are great beneficiaries of playing. All the articles also put a claim that each play has its importance in as far as development is concerned. Finally, all the articles have proved beyond any reasonable doubt that playing enhances classwork activity.
Importance of Play in Healthy Lives
One aspect of play that enhances healthy lives is the physical activity that is involved. Physical activity enhances free circulation of blood to all body parts and enables muscular development of human beings. Importantly enough, children who participate in playing activities develop a certain kind of intelligence and social relations that can only be achieved through such exercises. An example is those who normally participate in games such as hide and seek and dice that require a certain application of wit and intelligence. Such children will develop versatility that arises from solving multiple problems and will also improve their social relations by meeting various children in the cause of playing. Disabled children and those suffering from psychosocial issues will tend to be paranoid and withdrawn due because they lack the advantage of playing something that denies them the exploration of themselves, others, and their environment.
References
Dewar, Gwen, (2014) The Cognitive Benefit of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain http://www.parentingscience.com/benefits-of-play.html
Hamilton, Jon (2014), Scientists Say Child’s Play Helps Build A better Brain http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/06/336361277/scientists-say-childs-play-helps-build-a-better-brain
Montessori, Maria ‘’Play Is the Work of the Child’’ https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/play-work-of-children/#.Wd-LVDJRXIU
