Power of Play

On MSN today headline article states that "Students under pressure to perform at ever-younger ages. Studies revealed that in some Kindergarten classrooms that play materials such as blocks, sand & water tables and props for dramatic play "have largely disappeared". The report continues to state that most children had a half hour or less of play time and some schools have no play time at all. Comments from the report include, “There is absolutely no research showing that children who read at age 4 or 5 do better at age 10 or 12 than children who start reading in first grade,” she says. “But there is research showing if you push 4- and 5-year-olds too hard, it backfires.”
Complete article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32404017/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/?GT1=43001
***Very interesting to note from the article was the fact that in Finland, where teens consistently score high academically, also attend play-based kindergarten and start first grade at age 7 rather than age 6.

Play is where kids learn through experience of positive and negative reactions. Both structured and un-structured play provides the grounds for moral, character and ethics development. To play children need safe toys that can provide for physical and emotional development. Toys that produce play are colorful, fun to use and safe. As parents, care providers and practitioners we are here to create the play environment that brings life lessons in order to facilitate those rare teachable moments.

So, please, let them Play!