help young kids stay active

For more information on First Things First in Yuma County or to get involved, contact: Rudy J. Ortiz, Regional Director. (928) 343-3020 or rjortiz@firstthingsfirst.org Nena Garcia, Community Outreach Coordinator. (928) 343-3020 or mgarcia@firstthingsfirst.org

Did you ever stop to watch toddlers or preschoolers trying to play with a ball, building sand castles or forts, or imagining themselves as princesses and pirates? When children play, they draw on all their past experiences – things they have done, seen others do, or heard stories about – and use those to develop their own situations, stories and scenarios. And, they learn more in the process.

In fact, research has shown that play impacts everything from physical abilities and vocabulary to problem solving, creativity, teamwork and empathy.

First Things First encourages families to stay active through play, since it is one of the most important ways that young kids learn. So, how do parents recognize play and encourage it in our children? Here are a few guidelines:

• Play is FUN.

• Play doesn’t start out with a specific goal – like learning letters or numbers.

• Play is spontaneous and voluntary.

• In play, everyone is actively involved.

• And, finally, play includes an element of make believe.

To encourage play, caregivers can:

• Advocate for play – open your home and schedule time for play. Re-evaluate your child’s schedule to make sure there are plenty of opportunities and time for play.

• Provide the resources for stimulating play – not necessarily toys, just plenty of varied objects visible to children. Then, let their creativity take over. • Join in the fun, but let your child take the lead. You may think you look silly, but you are expanding your child’s learning.

• Encourage your child to use his imagination.

As adults, we want to help children reach their full potential. A good start is by honoring – and encouraging – how kids 5 and younger learn. Mister Rogers said it best. Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.