Keeping Play in the School Day {Tip 5 of 31}

Realizing the Importance of Playtime during school year  ^[1]

Kids everywhere rejoice! Playtime is just as important as school time. Look around at schools nowadays, tests are more abundant and all around the country schools are offering less time for kids to burn energy that is the fuel to ignite focus and attention for learning. That is why—now more than ever—it is important for parents to realize the significant academic role that playtime holds during the school year. Play can transcend this recess-less reality and provide the following benefits for both kids and parents alike:

• Understanding: From playgrounds to parks, playing with friends teaches kids empathy and social awareness. By letting your children have unstructured playtime, they will discover and learn how to get along and interact with others positively and appropriately at school.

• Intelligence: The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that play is essential to cognitive development. A few more minutes on the slide could unveil a sensational science project and a couple more bounces of a ball could bring home an above and beyond book report.
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  Anixter Center, Chicago, Ill., Photo by Chicago PhotoPress

• Creativity: Through creative expression, such as music and art, children are able to express themselves and share their feelings in ways they are comfortable. Imaginative play is crucial to feed this creative part of a child’s mind.

• Relaxation: Between the ringing of first period’s bell and the carpool line, children have been concentrating all day at school. Have them unplug from schoolwork and electronics to take a quick nap or just lay down and relax. This provides them time to digest the information from the school day and you will see greater focus during homework.

• Health: Healthy bodies promote healthy minds. Those rounds of tag and hide-and-go-seek go a long way to ensuring a sharp mind and an active lifestyle as children grow.

It is important for parents to realize the academic role that playtime holds during the school year and the benefits it provides for both parents and children alike.

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