Most of you recognize our school motto, Playing and Learning Together!, a part of our SLDS Mission Statement recently validated by a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The report highlighted the important role of play in a child’s life, even encouraging pediatricians to regularly write a “prescription for play” for young children!
The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children follows up the 2007 AAP Clinical Reports on the importance of play, noting new research demonstrating developmentally appropriate play with parents and peers promotes social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills that help build executive function in young children.
The report declares, “Play is not frivolous.” Research has identified a link between physical activity and children’s cognitive performance, as well as social-emotional skills. In the AAP’s view, essentially every life skill that’s valued in adults can be built up with play. The report explains, “Collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, decision-making, a sense of agency, creativity, leadership, and increased physical activity are just some of the skills and benefits children gain through play,”
For further information, check out this interesting article:
We believe in the power of playing and learning together at SLDS!
