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The Value of Free Play
Why Parents Need to Step Back and Just Observe Sometimes
By Rae Pica, Children's Physical Activity Specialist
Writing in Education Week, master teacher Sheila Flaxman states that today's young children are controlled by the "expectations, whims and rules of adults. Play is the only time they can take control of their world." Surely we can see the value in these many benefits – that these abilities will serve our children better than the ability to score soccer goals!
Does this mean you can't ever play with your child? Of course not! You can and should occasionally join your child in play. Having fun with your little one allows you to model playfulness and lets your child know that play is important! But there is one important guideline to follow: Let your child take the lead. It's not really play if someone else is dictating the content and pace. If it's not really play, it's not really fun. And for a kid, if it's not fun, it's not worth doing!
Think back to when you were a child. Remember as much as you can about being a kid – what you loved about free play – and you'll have no doubts about what you want your own child to experience.
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Re: The Value of Free Play by Selina on 10/10/2008 04:09PM
I am a current ECE student and I really enjoyed this article on the value of play. Since I have entered the program it has really changed the way I look at children playing. I feel this is a great article on why we should let children have lots of time to play.