Play

This synthesis is funded by the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research.

Several research studies confirm what Piaget believed: “Play is the work of childhood.” Children spend 3 to 20% of their time and energy playing and the amount of time increases after a period when they have been deprived of play opportunities. Play is concerned with means and not ends (i.e., process of playing and not creating an end goal). Play is also pleasurable.

Researchers have identified several subtypes of play (locomotor, social, object, language, pretend, and sociodramatic play) and their respective benefits. During preschool years, play provides opportunities for children to foster academic and social competence preparing them for the demands of school and the external world.

Indeed, children learn various skills contributing to their life success through play: 1) collaboration (teamwork); 2) content (math, science); 3) communication (oral and written); 4) creative innovation, and 5) confidence. Play prepares children outside the classroom as they develop life skills.

See also...

• What do we know?
• What can be done?
• According to experts
• Key messages