Plush Monster
The Value of Playing in a Child’s Development
For those of us who have kids or know children, it certainly seems like toys and the idea of play has changed. Children’s entertainment has taken on a much more passive role, when in our day play was all about imagination and creativity. For example, we’d play dress up or various role playing games, and we’d use the toys we did have in completely creative, loosely structured fun. Nowadays it seems that traditional play where you create a story has been left behind, what with video games and other passive entertainments.
Of course, I don’t mean to sound like an old fogey by belittling a new generation of toys, but it’s hard to disagree with the importance of active play for a child’s development. In fact, classic toys and games are still very much the basis for learning and growing. They can have the occasional video game, but make sure to also include, especially when they are very young, these classic toys for development. Remember, playing is as important as outright learning, such as learning a new language and engaging in sports, and can really help our children excel.
Below I will explain why “play” is so important for development.
1. Play can be a precursor to important socialization skills that children learn through sports. Here they learn how to be part of a team, be disciplined, and learn about competitiveness. Leading an active life before they are old enough to play organized sports can begin this process. These basic activities include things such as running outside, playing hide and seek, or playing hopscotch. Healthy bodies help create healthy minds, so we should never underestimate the power of physical activity, even if it does just look like “play.”
2. Play is also very important when it comes to the development of creativity. The ability to create their own universe is important for children. For example, children can be the teacher instead of the student. They can research a tropical jungle while surrounded by stuffed lions and stuffed tigers. Or they can be Snow White with all her enchanted forest animals (plush toys of course) waiting for Prince Charming. With the creativity to impersonate and create their own scenario’s, children can explore future interests or even future careers. Creating their own characters and stories is a great way to grow their imaginations in way that is better than just watching television or playing a video game where the stories, pictures, and characters are already there. Also, many of these imaginative games are much less violent then television or video games, so the child can grow and develop in a way that’s much more harmonious.
3. Play also develops social skills and teaches a child how to relate to others. For example, maybe the child is pretending they’re in a jungle with a stuffed tiger. Not only does this help them learn about nature, it also teaches them how to interact with others. Children who play together, whether they are jumping rope or having fun with that stuffed tiger have to set ground rules and boundaries as they pretend in order to share a world. In this way, children learn how to depend on and interact with each other.
Remember, playing is very vital to the development of a child. Play teaches them how to cope with the world, learn how to interact with others and be more creative. The occasional video game is fine, but we should make sure children learn the basics of play. And we can help do this by joining in the fun. Whether we decide to play the damsel in distress or the monster that’s chasing them around, we can be a part of the play and development. Remember, these memories will be cherished far more than any television show or video game.
About the Author
So give children a real childhood. For a great selection of mighty stuffed lions, stuffed tigers, beautiful forest animals and other amazing plush toys visit KCPlush.com and let kids create their own fantasy world.
Monster High Plush Toys for 2010 Monster High Doll Review Unboxing
|
|
Retired Hard to Find Woody Woodpecker Magnet Sheet Featuring More than 22 Magnets $9.99 … |
|
|
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (Two-Disc Special Edition) $5.00 Features include: •MPAA Rating: PG•Format: DVD•Runtime: 112 minutes… |
|
|
Spooky Buddies $11.70 Features include: •MPAA Rating: G•Format: DVD•Runtime: 88 minutes… |
|
|
Cars Gift Set (Combo Pack with DVD) [Blu-ray] $22.80 There’s an extra coat of hot wax on Pixar’s vibrant, NASCAR-influenced comedy about a world populated entirely by cars. Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is the slick rookie taking the Piston Cup series by storm when the last race of the season (the film’s high-octane opening) ends in a three-way tie. On the way to the tie-breaker race in California, Lightning loses his way off Route 66 in… |
|
|
Tickle Toes – Luxurious & Trendy Girls Hooded Towel & Washcloth Sets Tickle Toes Hooded Towels are not only luxurious and trendy but also extremly functional. The full sized bath towel is made of super absorbent 100% cotton terry. This is a must have accessory for the beach, pool and of course the BATH! Great for infants through age 6. All of our Hooded Towels come with an equally soft and aborsbent matching wachcloth with applique. Whether you are looking for a hi… |
|
|
Zoobies Pets with Mini Plush Uriel the Unicorn $30.00 comes to you from the mystical Land of ZoobiaTM. Cuddly Uriel will surely gallop into any child’s heart with her glimmering horn and plush creature comfort. UrielTM the Unicorn features a soft plush pillow and cozy fleece blanket – and a mini buddy! Perfect for road trips or just curling up in bed. Micro bead stuffed head for squish ability, large super soft coral fleece blanket zipped in side:4… |
|
|
Monster High Draculaura And Clawd Wolf Doll Giftset $29.99 Monster high draculaura and clawd wolf dolls gift set, meet the hottest new couple at monster high, since Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon. Girls crushes are scarily fickle so dracualura has decided to switch her attention from holt hyde to the last ghoul at monster high she would ever consider dating, a werewolf. Introducing the newest addition to the monster high doll collection, Clawd Wolf. He als… |
|
|
Gund Sesame Street Elmo 15 Plush $11.28 New model introduced in 2008! Higher quality eyes & features compared to older Elmo 13″ Plush (Part # 75351)… |
|
|
Melissa & Doug Monster Plush Bowling Game $14.58 Teach kids the classic game of bowling – with a ghoulish twist. This wacky bowling set features six furry, funky-textured pins and one beastly ball! Measurements 8.5″ x 7″ x 9″…. |