Children Playing

By: Ahmad Said Ibrahim

Free playing is the only activity children do for itself. It is very important in the social, ethical and physical aspects of the child's life.

Functions:

It increases the kid's experiences and develops his/her social sense. Assuming the role of a father, a baby or a lion, for example, helps a lot.

Iit gives the child an opportunity, even temporarily, to get rid of tensions, inner conflicts and disappointment.

Helps in discovering the laws of nature and things.

It develops the skills and talents. When a kid puts something in a certain place or when working a toy on and off, he/she is acquiring and developing certain skills.

He/she can discover him/herself and explore the surrounding world.

Good to know:

Playing is not only for fun, rather it represents a kind of creativity.

Playing helps discover talents and skills. It is not a waste of time.

In early years, children tend to play individually.

Older kids prefer to play in a group.

Choose appropriate games for each age.

Avoid fear games.

Concentrate on intellectual, body and memory exercises.

Playing with your child bring you closer.

Be ware of games that contain cultural or moral invasion.

Examples of games that have counter or undesired effects:

Cigarette shape toys and candy.

Games that make the kids nervous or those which are based on gambling.

Games that show the evil strong is the one who rules.

How to choose toys:

They should be light weighted and of suitable size.

Shiny colors.

Easy to clean.

It is preferred to be helping the kid imitate adults' behaviors.

To help the child use his/her muscles.

To be amusing.

Not to have sharp edges in order not to harm children.

To be variable.

To develop discovering and controlling skills.

Translated by: M. Hassan

Revised by: Fatima Suleiman

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