Play is popularly known as “children’s work”, and rightly so. Play isn’t just about having fun, but critical to a child’s learning and development, especially during the early years. It is through play that children learn about themselves and the world around them.  


What are the different types of play?
The way children play changes with their age and the environment they are in. For instance, babies play when their parents sing and talk to them. As children grow, they get more creative and experiment with different toys and ideas. The amount of space and time required to play also changes with age.

There are two different types of play and both are important for holistic childhood development.  

  • Unstructured free play: This is the kind of play a child chooses to engage in, without any particular direction. Free play allows children to use their imagination and move at their own pace. Examples of unstructured play include make-believe games, exploring the outdoors, and playing on a playground.

  • Structured Play: In this kind of play, a child follows mostly adult-led directions. Examples include board games, puzzles, storytelling, and team sports. Engaging in such play helps their social-emotional and cognitive development.
To get the most out of playing, the key is to find the right balance between the two types of play. While toddlers can spend more time in free play, older children should be encouraged to engage in structured play.  

The developmental benefits of playing for children
Cognitive Development: Play is essential for healthy brain development. Through age-appropriate toys, younger kids can learn about shapes, colors, numbers, and the concept of measurement. When older children play with construction blocks such as Korbo gears, they are introduced to the laws of physics in a fun and engaging way. By building models of cars and machines, children develop skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, all of which are essential for succeeding in the 21st century. 



Physical Development: Being physically fit is an integral part of holistic childhood development. Regular active play such as climbing, running, jumping and dancing will support children’s overall sense of well-being and physical growth. With children’s increasing preference for screen time, it becomes important for parents to provide opportunities for their kids to engage in active play. Setting up traversing walls or kids gym equipment at home is a great way to encourage them to have fun and stay active. 



Social and Emotional Development: Not only is playing a stress buster, but it also helps children navigate the world in a way they can understand and process. Given a chance to play with other children, they learn how to work in groups, share, negotiate and speak up for themselves. Playground sets encourage interactions between your child and their friends which help them master self-control and emotional regulation- as they wait for their turn to climb and face new climbing challenges. 



Playing also promotes parent-child bonding as they get to spend quality time together. For instance, Quadro Universal Kit provides an excellent opportunity for parents and their children to build something together. Making memories together and sharing a strong bond with their parents helps instill life-long confidence in children. 



How can parents contribute to their child’s learning through play?  

While children enjoy playing and don’t need any incentives to do so, it is the responsibility of parents to provide age-appropriate resources that stimulate and support play at home. They can set up indoor and outdoor games which can be played safely and reflect their child’s interests and strengths. Parents can also enroll their children in nurseries and kindergartens that support play-based learning. Finally, parents can set aside some time every day to play with their children and give them undivided attention while doing so.