Play = learning

When I began working in my craft business I always loved (and still do) watching the children’s faces as they stood proudly with their finished products.

But I soon realised that the end result was only one part of the story. What they were learning though the process of creating the craft was just as rewarding.

What children can learn and the skills they are developing through play is a crucial part of the early childhood learning. Play = learning. Through their natural curiosity, imagination, investigation and purely the courage of giving it a go, children are gaining valuable life skills.

Take 2D foam craft as an example, it looks as though we are only putting layer and layers of foam stickers on a board to make the finished picture. This children’s craft is more challenging than we think, there are lots of skills involved in making the finished product:

Cognitive / Thinking Skill – Children need to first evaluate and decide which shape goes where and which shape need to go first – children are problem solving and using their trial and error skilsl as they work through the picture.

Coordinating Skill – Children are developing fine motor skill, as they take the backing off each sticker shape and then place it onto the board.

Social / Relating Skill – Children can work alongside others such as friends or a parent. They are developing communication skills – talking about what they are doing, watching others to see what they do, taking turns and sharing the foam stickers .

The process also builds confidence – as the picture comes together and they will sense their achievements and teamwork. A child once said to me at the workshop – “this craft is challenging but rewarding at the same time”

Essentially children are learning life skills, through hands on experiences – by doing, watching others and experimenting. The great thing about children’s craft is it has broad appeal and it helps children develop independence, confidence and the different skills they need to develop.

On the flip side parents also learn about their children through play, as it provides great insight into their personalities, strengths, interests and social skills. As you watch your children grow through play you see their art work evolve from a scribble to a face with arms and legs or in the case of foam art it starts with stickers covering the board in random locations, to a perfect replication of the design completed independently.

So the next time you see your kids playing take a moment to enjoy the process as they learn, grow and have fun.

154 Comments

- - missmanic said
  - 30 Oct 2013
    6:04 pm
So true, great article thansk

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 27 Oct 2013
    10:06 pm
it also makes it fun, different people learn differently, I learnt alot from being creative,

- - meimei said
  - 23 Oct 2013
    11:44 am
Kids develop so quick, they learn, play, active and creative or doing funny thing.

- - barch said
  - 21 Oct 2013
    2:28 pm
My daughter loves and craft type activity. Excellent for building skills as well as confidence and pride in work.

- - snoopy said
  - 16 Oct 2013
    2:03 pm
This is a really lovely article, thank you for your advice.

- - katith21 said
  - 15 Oct 2013
    11:16 pm
Very interesting with some good tips to follow

- - rainbownerds said
  - 14 Oct 2013
    2:55 pm
Its a great way for children to learn. Nice article

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 14 Oct 2013
    2:12 pm
thank you for taking the time to write this, I enjoyed reading it.

- - meltingmoment said
  - 07 Oct 2013
    7:03 pm
Great article – thats why kindergartens are so focused on play for learning.

- - omgjag31 said
  - 30 Sep 2013
    5:13 pm
The best way for kids to learn is through play

- - tanya goulding said
  - 16 Sep 2013
    8:34 pm
My boy is almost 2 and you can see him watch others play and then he goes to attempt it, I love watching him grow and develop and learn something new each day

- - omgjag31 said
  - 08 Sep 2013
    8:20 am
I knew children learnt from play but this shows you how they really learn from it. Thanks

- - ajmalhotra said
  - 04 Sep 2013
    8:33 pm
Its amazing how much they pick up, how quickly and from such a young age…. Its amazing!

- - jaymarie12 said
  - 30 Aug 2013
    5:53 pm
My son and I play a lot he is learning so fast

- - tahlia w said
  - 27 Aug 2013
    11:21 pm
there such sponges! its so great to see the world in their eyes
- earthlydelites replied
  
  28 Aug 2013 , 3:21 pm
  its crazy the things they pick up and its usually the stuff you don’t want them to remember! Lol
- - meros said
  - 10 Aug 2013
    5:10 pm
Thanks for the great read

- - maureen3 said
  - 07 Aug 2013
    9:32 pm
Very interesting with some good tips to follow

- - kymaree said
  - 06 Aug 2013
    8:57 pm
Play is a childs FT occupation I believe.

- - curlytops said
  - 04 Aug 2013
    8:54 pm
doing crafts is so rewarding for the child
- lynzstevo replied
  
  07 Aug 2013 , 8:22 am
  I agree, I see my kids benefit so much from doing craft. Their little minds are a wonderland of possibilities and they learn so much.
- - lynzstevo said
  - 04 Aug 2013
    3:42 pm
2D foam craft looks fantastic! Checking out the website now, I definitely have to get some. My kids love the little foam craft sets that kmart has, I’ve bought so many of them. It keeps them entertained for hours and I can’t help but get into it myself! Good to know there’s so many benefits from it 🙂
- sallty replied
  
  12 Aug 2013 , 7:56 am
  We just discovered the foam kits from KMart too – best $3 ever spent!