Toddlers learn some of the most important life's lessons through play during the early years. Children learn best when they engage in activities that they really like. Play allows them the chance to explore, imagine, and wonder at the world around them. Their observation skills stay alert to everyone and the activities within their surroundings. As toddlers grow, play is important to the development of
intelligence
imagination
motor skills
social interaction
emotional development
Intelligence
New research shows that toddlers can re-enact what they see, hear, and learn from picture books. Researchers know that picture books can help four to five year old preschoolers with a range of literary and life skills. The finding suggests that picture books may play a much greater role than simply entertaining toddlers and may help them understand the world and develop life skills. Reading, storytelling, singing, finger plays provide the opportunity for language development. Toddlers begin to learn basic math skills through play while manipulating and observing items in their immediate environment. Toddlers need opportunities to participate in child-driven play where they can learn decision-making skills and their own areas of interest. Their observations stimulate their higher level thinking as they begin to concentrate and seek out bits and pieces of information while exploring the environment to promote intellectual growth.
Imagination
If you have ever observed a toddler, you will notice they copy everything they see you doing. When toddlers play they are opening up their imagination and creativity to a whole new world. Some toddlers create an imaginary friend or pretend to care for the baby just like Mommy by placing the baby in a doll high chair. They might wash the dishes, try to put on clothes by themselves, play dress-up, or pretend to go to the store, imitating all the life skills they have observed family members performing. Sometimes, we will even see a child copy something that we don't want repeated! They don't know the difference from right or wrong, imitating only what they see. It is up to you, as the parent, to teach the child right or wrong through your own actions on a day to day basis. Through play toddlers develop their independence and master everyday life skills of imagination and creativity.
Motor Skills
Toddlers develop gross and fine motor skills through play activities. The first muscles to develop are the large muscle group as the child begins to crawl, walk, run, jump, climb, throw and catch a ball. Their fine motor skills begin to develop as they learn to use a fork and spoon, pick up cereal with two fingers, stack blocks, play with construction sets and color with crayons. During playtime the gross and fine motor skills are continually being used in one way or another. These need to be developed before the child can begin handwriting in school. Have you ever noticed someone with very poor handwriting? That's because their fine motor skills were never developed well as a toddler.
Social Interaction
As kids get together for a play date, they learn how to behave, interact, get along and negotiate for toys or other play things. While playing in a group setting, the toddler will learn how to accept disappointment at not always getting his way or what they want, how to settle disputes, and not to insist on always having their way. Toddlers need to feel secure in their ownership before they can share. Forcing them to share can actually delay the development of sharing skills. Instead, introduce the concept of taking turns. Around this age, toddlers begin to seek companionship with kids their age. Initially they play side by side, but gradually begin to interact with each other. It's never too early to give children language for their interactions with each other. Play teaches toddlers ways of how to socialize and get along with other kids.
Emotional Development
One of the most important tasks in parenting toddlers is helping them learn to manage their emotions. This life skill will be a crucial factor throughout their lives in not only relationships but academic and career success. Play helps toddlers to develop and better handle their emotions. It offers opportunities for toddlers to work out their fears while gaining emotional control and getting rid of anxieties. They are entitled to their feelings, which have a way of just showing up in human beings, like our arms and legs. But all humans, even little ones, should be held responsible for what they do with their arms and legs and feelings. Your job is teach them self management techniques while they are playing. Kids who receive a lot of empathy for their own feelings from the adults in their lives are the earliest to develop empathy for others, and research has shown that empathy for others is the cornerstone of successful interpersonal relationships.
Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. In homes where play is encouraged, the minds and personalities of children develop effectively to its fullest potential. Each opportunity of play teaches toddlers many skills that will be advantageous later on in life. It is our job as parents to provide optimal play experiences to help toddlers master the steps that they take in life.
