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Developmental Benefits

• Physical

  PhysicalBenefits

  Play that encourages learning through bodily sensations and movement. Toys of this category help children learn through activities that challenge their hand-eye coordination and improve both their gross and fine motor skills. Children that learn best through physical play are often athletic and enjoy sports, so the optimal toys for this developmental benefit of play focus on manipulating objects, building, dancing, and role-playing or other forms of make believe that involve motion, action, and the working of big and small muscles. These kids are on the move, and they need toys that will keep up with them!

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• Intrapersonal

  IntrapersonalBenefits

  Play that is independent, fostering inner reflection and awareness of feelings. While play sometimes involves many children, independent play is an important aspect of healthy childhood development. When playing alone, children begin to recognize their own emotions, feelings, and thoughts, as well as how to control them. This benefit of play allows children to take charge of their activities and explore their environment at their own level and speed. Intrapersonal play improves children's self-motivation and self-esteem, as they engage their imaginations and take the initiative to create their own forms of fun and learning. Alone play gives children the opportunity to create their own environment, allowing for pretend play that utilizes their imaginations to the fullest. These children may appear shy, but when playing alone, their possibilities are endless!

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Types of Play

• Creative

  Creative Play

  Play that ignites a child's imagination and makes something out of nothing! A box of crayons, construction paper, pipe cleaners, scissors and glue – they are all staples in the home, but when they come together in the hands of a child, they become magical works of art. But, Creative Play extends beyond art, entering a world of music, dance, building — even dirt! Creative play includes such things as: * Painting * Sculpting play dough * Building or creating crafts Providing a child a creative outlet will lead to many amazing things, and as you may know already, some not so amazing things if it involves drawing on furniture or a wall!

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• Quiet

  Quiet Play

  Play that keeps children's mouths shut but their minds open. Playtime for children should have the opportunity to be quiet — the playtime for which adults are sometimes grateful! Children need quiet time to intently digest the items in their learning environment, like books and puzzles. Quiet play provides children an opportunity to think and reason and can include such activities as: * Beading a necklace * Working on puzzles * Reading or looking at pictures By providing a silent environment, children can focus on their toys and playthings and really get down to the work of being a child. After all, play is the work of children!

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• Manipulative

  Manipulative Play

  Play that involves hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Children need the opportunity to work on finer skills that involve a little more control and direction. Manipulative play develops the sense of coordination, challenging their little fingers to follow the lines or use their tools properly. Some examples of manipulative play are: * Coloring, especially in a defined area * Paper crafts and art involving moving parts that need to be "put together" * Using a safe and simple tool kit to help with tasks around the house Cutting out a sunshine for the window or painting within the lines — all these activities are the perfect exercise for this type of play.

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