Have you ever observed a child during play? Have you sat down unnoticeably and just observed his work without interfering? You probably experienced unrest then, because you wanted to tell what toy goes into a stroller and you’d probably fix some blocks in the tower because it should stand straight.
A child needs his own thoughts to guide him to get to know the toys better and to manipulate them. Parents sometimes struggle with merely observing their child, since they would like to help him. Children need silence and need to be bored to start thinking creatively.
In early childhood, meaning a one-year-old or a two-year-old, simple form of play develops and we call it simple play. At that time, child’s play is simple, based on exploring, because he’s gaining his first experiences about himself and the world around him.
Child’s basic need he’s longing for is testing. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that tasting, holding, smelling, licking, seeing and hearing are very essential for his development. The basic forms of sensing are crucial for a child to understand and know the environment around him.
Child’s entire body coordination is closely connected to the development of the intelligence. Child’s hands and the way he’s controlling his body helps him to make balance on the inside, to gain independence and the control of himself. We give the child the most by offering him natural materials and toys made of them. When the child observes the order of the outside world, he makes order on the inside and that way develops his intelligence.
Each child needs to learn to categorize, classify and name things he sees and learn what their purpose is. At the same time, he develops the capability to stay focused.
A small child can already do certain activities for a long period of time, for example, shifting objects, stacking them up and learning to make different installations. The activities can last long since he’s motivated by curiosity. It is important that the adults let him play independently, without their interference.
The environment where the child feels total freedom is essential for him to develop play. In such environment he can get accustomed, create, have fun and do whatever is on his mind.
Getting his own ideas and exploring the space are essential for his existence and contentment. The best environment for free play is the nature. Outdoor play relaxes, an open space gives children a sense of freedom, consequently they eagerly explore the world around them. The nature calms children down, the sun fills them with Vitamin D, their immune system strengthens and the hormone of happiness boosts. In these cold days, put some warm clothes on and enjoy in fresh air!?
GET THE LOOK
