KEY POINTS
- Play is the cornerstone of childhood development, fostering growth across physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative domains.
- For Ms Pantillano, play extends beyond the confines of classrooms and playgrounds; it flourishes within the sacred bond between a parent and a child.
- In this modern time, play has taken on renewed significance. She encourages parents that while technology has its place, it should never overshadow the magic of creative play.
In this Usapang Parental episode, we talk about the importance of play with Queensland based early childhood educator, Nicky Pantillano. She shares that play is the cornerstone of childhood development, fostering growth across physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative domains.
"We learn best when we're having fun. When children engage in play, they're not just having fun; they're actively learning. From unlocking the mysteries of physics through a game of marbles to nurturing boundless creativity, the significance of play in shaping young minds cannot be overstated,” she says.
The spectrum of play encompasses different activities, each offering unique benefits tailored to the developmental milestones of children. From solitary exploration to structured group activities, the journey of play evolves as the child grows. “Observation play” in infancy transitions seamlessly into "interactive play" in the preschool years, mirroring the child's expanding cognitive and social abilities.
Play is the cornerstone of childhood development, fostering growth across physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative domains.
Let kids, be kids
Ms Pantillano believes that childhood is a time for exploration therefore parents should not be forcing their children to be academically competitive at an early age.
"Structured academic pursuits can wait, but the foundation of social skills forged through play is invaluable."
For Ms Pantillano, play extends beyond the confines of classrooms and playgrounds; it flourishes within the sacred bond between a parent and a child.
"Play activities with parents should be driven by the child's interests. It is an opportunity to cultivate a love for learning and exploration,” she adds.
In this modern time, play has taken on renewed significance. She encourages parents that while technology has its place, it should never overshadow the magic of creative play.
"With play, the imagination and creativity of the child emerge. More on physical toys and activities, and less on gadgets or screen time. I'm not saying get rid of it altogether, but limit it because their imagination develops more with hands-on and physical play."
Usapang Parental' is SBS Filipino's segment on parenting. It features the stories of migrant families, parenting issues, raising kids, and parenting tips and advice from experts.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
'We learn best when we’re having fun': Why play is important for a child’s development
SBS Filipino
18/04/202409:50
The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional advice. Consult an expert for support.
