Many people have talked about free play having a positive affect on children’s development, but is this a fact? Lets take a look at what the media has to say, and then examine the evidence.
But first…what is free play?
Free play can be defined as unstructured, voluntary, child-led activity that allows children to develop their imaginations while exploring and experiencing the world around them. It is the spontaneous play that comes naturally from children’s curiosity, love of discovery, and enthusiasm.
Why is this topic important?
Times are changing, and the amount of free play children are engaging in is decreasing. Kids are spending less time outdoors as technology continues to take over. Many children are spending most of their time on Ipads, cell phones and video games inside of their homes. Not only are children engaging in less free play at home, but also in school environments. Numerous studies describe the disappearance of recess (unstructured, outdoor-based play during the school day) in American schools (Mainella, Agate & Clark, 2011).
Should kids be spending more time outside engaging in free play, and does this affect their development? It is a question that many parents, caregivers and educators would like to know!
The Media
The Mayo Clinic News Network reported on the importance of free play on children’s development in 2018. They discuss findings from a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
CBC News reports on a Manitoba daycare in 2017 that has its kids spend most of their time outdoors, based on the “Forest and Nature” program. Benefits such as imaginative play and social skills are discussed.
In 2016, Jennifer Hsu reports from WNYC on two kindergarten teachers that are expanding “unstructured outdoor-play” for the children at a public school in Brooklyn, NY.
What does the research say?
Does free play affect children’s development? Research suggests,
YES.
- Warner (2008) speaks of the current research of play and how it is a crucial part of the development of young children. A 2006 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics said free and unstructured play is healthy and, in fact, essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient.
- Mainella, Agate and Clark (2011) outlined the positive effects of outdoor free play on child development in the areas of physical fitness, mental health, socioemotional and cognitive development.
- Kernan & Devine (2010) spoke on the importance of outdoor free play in supporting children’s well-being, learning and development, and Warner (2008) explains that children can learn to reconcile their inner world with outer reality, work to attain mastery over their environment, and learn social rules or norms from play
The takeaway…
It is a big fact that children are engaging in less free play, especially outdoor free play. With so many barriers to free play such as technology and academic standards, children are spending most of their time indoors, either at home or inside of a classroom. How can we promote healthy development for children?
We can spread our knowledge about the benefit of free play on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development and advocate for more free play and outdoor free play just as the media clips demonstrated above.
it’s time to get unstructured!
References
Kernan, M., & Devine, D. (2010). Being Confined within? Constructions of the Good Childhood and Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings in Ireland. Children & Society, 24(5), 371–385. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2009.00249.x
Mainella, F. P., Agate, J. R., & Clark, B. S. (2011). Outdoor-Based Play and Reconnection to Nature: A Neglected Pathway to Positive Youth Development. New Directions for Youth Development, (130), 89–104. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxdirect=true&db=eric&AN=EJ936592&site= ehost-live
Warner, L. (2008). “You’re It!”: Thoughts on Play and Learning in Schools. Horace, 24(2). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ849821&site=ehost-live
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