Keep playing around – it’ll help you with your future! That’s right – playing cultivates five components in child development. The benefits will stay with children for their entire lives.
The 5 Key Components of Play:
Social and Emotional Learning: Self-regulation/impulse control, empathy, social skills with meaningful interaction Cognitive development/Language development: Problem-solving, develops oral communication, makes learning to read easier, improves academics Physical fitness: Regular activity improves all aspects of health Imagination Growth: Make-up games and rules, adjust to rules as needed Fosters Independence: Kids take leadership/agency, solo play improves self-confidence to handle other issues
Peer-to-peer interaction develops socialization skills. Both independent and peer-to-peer play are important in early childhood development – and it’s fun! If you’re looking for a fun, safe place to play with your child(ren), DeKalb Public Library has several events for kids of all ages (even kids-at-heart). The Clark and Arlene Neher Tree Room (in Youth Services), has cars, megablocks, puppets, and more – all designed to engage a child’s imagination.
DeKalb Public Library hosts the Play Group for Children with Special Needs on the third Thursday of every month. This program welcomes all children, with 30 minutes of unstructured playtime. Come play at the DeKalb Public Library today – kids and adults will have fun! Check out our monthly calendar to see what events are coming up.
