Guest Post: "Why is Play So Important in Cognitive Development?"

Why Is Play So Important In Cognitive Development?
Play is so often overlooked as an integral part of a childís development. In the last few years, formal education aimed at young children, has started taking precedence. However, there are many parents and teachers alike who recognize the importance of play and how it benefits an emergent mind. 

A child begins the process of learning before he is born. A growing fetus can detect sounds from as young as 20 weeks and bright light from around the third trimester. Everything your child senses adds to his social, emotional and cognitive development. Thus play, in its various forms, is the perfect opportunity for your child to experience the world around him. 

We can track and even guide the areas of cognitive development, by setting up age-appropriate activities in which children can play either as an individual or in a group. Many teachers use these methods in their classrooms as an added bonus to the structured curriculums. The benefit of play in the classroom is wide-spread. Not only does it provide a fun and interactive way for the child to pick up a new concept or set of skills, it gives the child opportunity to practice them through practical application.

So What Is Cognitive Development?

It ís a term that refers to the thought processes and how they are created. This generally points to the areas of intellect, memory, problem-solving, logic and general thought processing. A childís perception of the world around him and how he reacts to it is dependent on healthy cognitive.

Why Exactly Is Play So Important?

Well, it allows a child to go beyond his usual capabilities. It opens up new experiences to the child that can be overtly explored. By investigating objects, incidents and behaviors, a childís brain begins to process the information it receives. The more a child cements his new found skills, the better the results will be in other areas too. 

A List of Areas In Cognitive Development That Play Benefits

ï Memory Development

Play helps a child begin to understand the sequence of things and then memorize them. This, in the long run, is greatly beneficial for a number of other things like language development and literacy skills.

ï Logical Thinking or Reasoning

Reasoning is a more complex area of cognitive function and is mastered only much later in a childís life. But in learning how to think logically, a child can begin to process abstract information and tackle problem-solving.

ï Sensory Perception and Motor Skills

The brain processes everything the body touches, tastes, smells, hears and sees. Healthy and well-developed sensory skills are vital. Developing motor skills are beneficial for movement and the way a child handles objects.  

ï Language

Language begins with non-verbal communication. A child will pick up a variety of communication possibilities while playing with his peers. Non-verbal communication then evolves into spoken word. Through social play, a child will learn to speak and form sentences by listening to the way his friends are talking.

ï Visual and Spatial Processing

Learning about the space around him is an important part of a childís development. The benefit of a healthy understanding reaches far into adult life.

The best part about allowing a child to learn through play is that it doesnít require expensive day-trips or a cupboard full of toys. New experiences are always good and the child will benefit greatly from being allowed to explore their exciting new environment safely.

Supporting Research

Your babyís developing senses.
http://www.parents.com/baby/development/physical/babies-developing-senses/

Cognitive development
http://www.healthofchildren.com/C/Cognitive-Development.html

Why is play important? Cognitive development, Language development, Literacy development.
http://www.education.com/reference/article/importantance-play-cognitive-language/

A handful of fun ñ why sensory play is important for preschoolers.
http://notjustcute.com/2010/03/24/a-handful-of-fun-why-sensory-play-is-important-for-preschoolers/

Play, why itís so important:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_play-why-its-so-important_6772.bc

Valuable Lessons Young Kids Can Learn From Playing With Toys:
http://www.mommyedition.com/valuable-lessons-young-kids-can-learn-from-playing-with-toys