The Correlation between Play and Skills Development in Children

posted on Jun 28, 2021

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” This is a proverb we all grew up hearing. And just as most of the sayings draw their origin from life experiences and the wisdom acquired therein, this proverb also defines the importance of play and physical activity in children’s life. There is no denying that activities, outdoor games, sports, etc., contribute positively to the holistic growth of kids. No wonder, regardless of the theory of education followed throughout different times, the importance of sports and games has remained unaltered.

Be it the progressive learning techniques or the traditional methods, every school of thought has always emphasized the significance of play in learning. We, at Gurukul The School, a well-known school in Ghaziabad, believe that a child’s growth remains less than optimal if he/she is denied enough opportunity to play. We have always maintained that games not only enhance hand-body coordination and motor skills development in children but also help them grow into more compassionate, kind, and empathetic human beings. So, on that note, let’s have today a brief discussion on how outdoor games help children build and refine several critical life skills.

Helps improve communication through interaction

No matter the stream of studies your child takes up, good communication skills will always be required to help them carve a unique career path. When you allow your kids to play out in the fields with other kids, they are required to communicate at many different levels. It could be a celebration of a match win, despair of a loss, or the disappointment of a close tie, every emotion they feel pours out in the form of words and expressions.

Communication is all about knowing to use the right expression and words to put forth a feeling. And play-time teaches the same to children effortlessly. Yes, we understand that the pandemic has barred the children from going out, but even indoor games and play can help the kids develop their communication skills. After all, joy, disappointment, and excitement remain central to every game, no matter where it is played.

Enhances and strengthens the motor skills

When your kids indulge in active play, their entire body works together in tandem. Think of a child sitting and reading for hours. While the brain remains occupied with some other sensory organs, the limbs and other parts of the body remain idle. On the other hand, when the kids run after a ball, chase a butterfly, or play any other game, the entire body participates and coordinates to help their efforts bear fruits. This indicates the power of play in ensuring the healthy growth of the body and mind. Even inside the house, when kids play indoor games like peek-a-boo or table tennis, it aids in their growth. Engaging in such play activities helps strengthen their motor skills, which are crucial for improving their performance in various fields.

Children learn social interaction through games

Children have a tendency to pick up every bit of information and gesture available around them. And this is exactly why they can learn a lot about social interaction when they indulge in play with other children. Especially the team games teach children more than anyone in the world. The team efforts require the wholehearted participation of every kid, and when they interact with each other while playing, they get to learn a great deal about a lot many things from each other.

At Gurukul The School, a renowned school in Ghaziabad, we firmly believe that while playing, kids get an opportunity to interact with people of various thoughts, reactions, opinions, and ideas. This widens their own purview of thinking and teaches them the right ways to interact socially. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that children learn the most significant lessons of life at the playground. Hence, keep your child engaged in different games and allow them enough opportunity to play. This will help them grow holistically and aid considerably in their skill development.