Children learn when playing and exposure to all different types of play experiences extends the playful learning potential. At Playopedia we have sorted the fabulous range of play ideas into the following categories;

Constructing
Construction play involves manipulating elements of the play environment to construct something new. This can involve all sorts of different construction methods – stacking, assembling, disassembling, sorting or moulding, to name a few. Constructing develops physical skills of manipulation and control, problem solving skills, the ability to plan and test ideas, and perseverance in the face of construction challenges. Read more about the benefits of and strategies for constructive play here.

Imagining
Imaginative play provides children with a safe avenue for acting out the ideas they are developing about their world without the judgment or interference of adults. It aids language development, social skill learning and emotional development. Read more about the benefits of and strategies for imaginative play here.

Creating
Creative play involves seeing things and expressing ideas in unique ways, encouragement of the ability to find interesting solutions to problems, or the ability to streamline a process to become more efficient. It is art, music, drama, dance and much more. Read more about the benefits of and strategies for creative play here.

Exploring
Today’s children spend more time indoors than any previous generation and yet increasingly research is demonstrating that playful exploration of the natural world is important to a child’s mental and emotional health. Playing outdoors in nature also has obvious benefits for physical health, and also social implications as our children are the future custodians of the earth. For more about the importance of nature play to children’s development, visit this post.

Thinking
Children are naturally curious. They question the world, hypothesise solutions, predict outcomes, experiment constantly, and enjoy reflecting upon and representing their discoveries. They are active, self motivated learners who learn best when supported by interested adults who support them in their search for answers, as they make connections between what they know and what they are striving to understand. This category is dedicated to play experiences that encourage and support a child’s thinking and reasoning skills.

Moving
Active, physical play is not only good for physical health but also for stress reduction and as an outlet for the relief of overwhelming emotions, those which often children don’t know how to otherwise express. Learning to master a new physical skill, such as climbing up a tree, provides children with awareness of their bodies and developing physical abilities, their own strength, and also the ability to assess risk. Conquering physical skills provides children with feelings of accomplishment, positive self esteem and a sense of power and freedom. Read more about the benefits of and strategies for physical play here.

Making
We have all heard the story (if we have not seen it ourselves) of a child who spends longer playing with the wrapping paper or cardboard box than the toy inside! Often the best ‘toys’ are those we make, collect or create ourselves at home. This category is all about making simple, cost effective toys and resources for your child’s play from things commonly found around the home.

Does your child have a strong preference for one type of play?
Suggestions for helping them to include other play ideas can be found in this post ~ More Than One Way to Play.