The play is a concept that is inextricably linked with childhood. Although there are many games designed for adults in the modern world, playing is the most important for children. They learn about the world around them through the game, acquire new skills and knowledge. The purpose of the essay is to assess the value of children’s play, as well as to consider all aspects of this phenomenon.
Learning About the World Through Play
The desire to play is inherent in every child without exception. Through the game, a person learns the world around him. This knowledge consists of the constant formulation and search for answers to two essential questions: “what is it” and “how does it work.” By playing, children learn about their abilities, develop both physically and mentally. Physical games teach a child to control movements and improve coordination. Cognitive activities give a person information about the materials from which objects are made. Finally, creative games allow developing one’s imagination, apply the acquired knowledge in practice.
At the same time, activities must meet and support the interests of children following their capabilities. The process of the game maintains the child’s morale and gives a sense of self-confidence. In other words, the concept of inclusiveness must be implemented in the creation and provision of games. It is necessary to create multiple options that ensure the availability of various and worthy alternatives. However, no child should be excluded from the game because of gender, race, or other things. This rule is enshrined in documents such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Early years foundation stage statutory framework for the UK.
Children’s rights
As mentioned above, children’s rights are cherished in such global organizational structures as the United Nations. This organization has a separate convention that protects the interests of minors. Following the text of this document, interests concerning the games are protected by article 31. According to it, children have the right to play and rest, engage in activities appropriate to their age, and freely participate in the cultural life of society. Each state that follows this agreement undertakes to help them participate in various events, providing everyone with equal opportunities. Despite the indicated obligations, unfortunately, they are far from always fulfilled. There are many cases where access to certain activities was restricted by gender or religion. There are also families that, due to their poverty, cannot provide their children with cultural participation, but the state does not help such people in any way. Thus, although these rights exist on paper, it is necessary to work on their full observance in real life.
Particular attention must be paid to the timely satisfaction of the needs of the minors, as preferences change during growing up. Each child’s age has its games and its characteristics in interaction with the outside world. For example, during the first months of life, the child’s activity is often limited to interacting with parents, getting used to them. In this period, games are the study of objects that can be held in hands and put into the mouth. At this stage of development, it is necessary to have many bright-coloured objects that can be safely studied by pushing and grabbing. Children of ages from 1 to 3 begin to use their imagination, so it is essential to turn to activities that allow creating something. With further growth, the aspect of fantasy becomes increasingly critical. At the same time, the child shows more physical activity, actively exploring the world and nature. Therefore, it is vital to create safe places where children could complete their interests without harming themselves and open access to creativity so that they may develop their inner world.