Lifesupporters.com Forums - View Single Post

Luba · 04-08-2006, 05:19 PM

from "Toys4growth":

"Play Is the Work of the Child" Maria Montessori

While children do need time to play alone and with other children without intervention, research shows that playtime with parents is also important.

Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. Play should include one to one with each child and group time with all of the kids in the home. If you are a single parent or have only one child, occasionaly ask family or friends over to play.

In pretend play, let the child develop the theme. Get into their world. Ask questions. Play along. Be silly along with them. Be careful not to over-stimulate them, know when it is time to stop.

Play outdoors. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make mud pies. Take a nature walk in your own backyard.

Play games--card games--board games--silly and wacky kids games. Teach them to take turns, how to win and how to lose. Praise them. Encourage them. Laugh with them.

Get involved in a craft project together. Build a jigsaw puzzle. Paint a picture.

Listen to music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments along with the music. Get out the guitar or keyboard and make music.

Read a book together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the story or make up a new one.

Watch a movie together. Find out what they liked - how they felt. Discuss the child's interests. Comment on and discuss any bothersome content.

Help kids with patience, problem solving, social skills, and creativity.

Play games like:Follow the Leader - Guess What I am? - Hide and Seek

Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever. It lets the child know she/he is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing problems and to ask for help when the need arises. It helps the parent to know and understand the uniqueness of each child. It is also a great stress reducer for overworked parents.

04-08-2006, 05:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Luba Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 11,261	Playing with your Child from "Toys4growth": "Play Is the Work of the Child" Maria Montessori While children do need time to play alone and with other children without intervention, research shows that playtime with parents is also important. Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. Play should include one to one with each child and group time with all of the kids in the home. If you are a single parent or have only one child, occasionaly ask family or friends over to play. In pretend play, let the child develop the theme. Get into their world. Ask questions. Play along. Be silly along with them. Be careful not to over-stimulate them, know when it is time to stop. Play outdoors. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make mud pies. Take a nature walk in your own backyard. Play games--card games--board games--silly and wacky kids games. Teach them to take turns, how to win and how to lose. Praise them. Encourage them. Laugh with them. Get involved in a craft project together. Build a jigsaw puzzle. Paint a picture. Listen to music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments along with the music. Get out the guitar or keyboard and make music. Read a book together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the story or make up a new one. Watch a movie together. Find out what they liked - how they felt. Discuss the child's interests. Comment on and discuss any bothersome content. Help kids with patience, problem solving, social skills, and creativity. Play games like:Follow the Leader - Guess What I am? - Hide and Seek Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever. It lets the child know she/he is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing problems and to ask for help when the need arises. It helps the parent to know and understand the uniqueness of each child. It is also a great stress reducer for overworked parents.