Role of Play in Child Development

The Role of Play in Child Development: Tips and Activities

Table of Contents

Play is often seen as a simple pastime for children, but its significance goes far beyond mere entertainment. It is a vital component of child development, contributing to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Understanding the importance of play can help parents and caregivers provide enriching experiences that foster learning and development. In this blog, we’ll explore the various roles of play in child development and provide tips and activities to encourage playful learning.

The Importance of Play in Child Development

1. Physical Development

Play encourages physical activity, which is essential for developing gross and fine motor skills. Activities like running, jumping, climbing, and throwing help children build strength, coordination, and balance. Fine motor skills, such as grasping and manipulating objects, are developed through activities like drawing, building with blocks, or playing with small toys.

2. Cognitive Development

Through play, children explore their environment, experiment with new ideas, and solve problems. Engaging in imaginative play enhances creativity and helps with critical thinking skills. When children play games that involve rules, they learn to strategize, plan, and understand cause and effect.

3. Emotional Development

Play provides children with a safe space to express their feelings and cope with emotions. It allows them to explore different roles and scenarios, helping them process experiences and develop empathy. Activities that encourage sharing and cooperation also foster emotional regulation and resilience.

4. Social Development

Playing with peers teaches children essential social skills such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Cooperative play encourages children to work together, share, and negotiate, laying the foundation for healthy relationships and social interaction.

Tips to Encourage Play

1. Create a Safe Environment

Ensure that your child has a safe and stimulating environment where they can explore freely. Use soft mats, safe toys, and age-appropriate equipment to promote active play without risk of injury.

2. Limit Screen Time

While technology can offer educational opportunities, it’s essential to limit screen time to encourage more physical and imaginative play. Aim for a balance that prioritizes hands-on, interactive experiences.

3. Encourage Unstructured Play

Allow your child to engage in unstructured play, where they can decide what to do and how to play. This fosters creativity and independent thinking, allowing them to explore their interests.

4. Participate in Play

Join your child in their play activities. Whether it’s building blocks, playing pretend, or engaging in outdoor sports, your involvement can enhance their enjoyment and learning experience.

    Fun Activities to Promote Play

    1. Sensory Play

    Create sensory bins filled with rice, beans, sand, or water. Add scoops, cups, and small toys to encourage exploration through touch and movement.

    2. Outdoor Adventures

    Take your child outside for nature walks, scavenger hunts, or simple games like tag. Outdoor play allows for physical activity and exploration of the natural world.

    3. Role-Playing Games

    Encourage imaginative play by providing costumes and props. Role-playing different scenarios, such as grocery shopping or playing doctor, can stimulate creativity and social skills.

    4. Arts and Crafts

    Set up an arts and crafts station with various materials like paper, paint, markers, and clay. Creative expression through art promotes fine motor skills and self-expression.

    5. Group Games

    Organize group games like Simon Says, Duck-Duck-Goose, or Red Light, Green Light. These games encourage social interaction and cooperation while being fun and engaging.

    Conclusion

    Play is a crucial aspect of child development, enriching every area of growth from physical fitness to emotional resilience. By understanding the role of play and incorporating diverse activities, parents and caregivers can create a supportive environment that nurtures their child’s development. Whether through imaginative play, outdoor adventures, or cooperative games, fostering play can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being and success.

    If you’d like to learn more about child development or discover ways to support your child’s growth through play, contact KidsFirst today!

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    Our family has so much gratitude for KidsFirst and especially the teachers the therapists for our son. After our first meeting with the teachers and the therapists, we felt heard and we knew they could guide us through our son’s IEP.

    Navigating the IEP process is challenging and in many instances frustrating. Often there were times when I felt unheard and dismissed by my child’s previous schools. It was the best feeling going into our IEP with a solid plan and the staff being there to support. Their collective knowledge of our son’s needs (and abilities) coupled with extensive experience in education/special education, along with their child-centred approach has allowed to identify those support that would benefit and assist our son in a way that makes our son feel successful. We learned so much along the way.

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    Nina

     

    Sinead Nathan

    Principal Physiotherapist

    University of Limerick, Ireland – Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

    After graduating Sinead moved to Singapore where she worked for 2 years in school based early intervention with 0-6 year old children with Neuro physical And developmental delays. Sinead then went on to complete over 3 years in an acute hospital. In 2018 Sinead returned to work in paediatrics in a private setting where she got to work and train in the application of therasuit and neurosuit, spidercage therapy and Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).

    In 2021 Sinead made the decision to return to Ireland with her family, where she continued to work in paediatrics private practice. Being Ireland’s first CME therapist, Sinead worked in introducing this ground breaking therapy to families and therapists. Sinead assisted in setting up individualised intensives for clients and implementing intensives during school holidays.

    Sinead strives to empower children to reach their maximum potential and believes that every milestone is a big milestone. Sinead also knows that motivation is important for participation and does her best to understand each child and get to know their personal interests and goals to help them achieve greater function.

     

    Vestibular rehabilitation in adults

    Cuevas Medek Exercises certified

    Therasuit method and spidercage therapy

    DMI certified

    Alzena Chiam

    Speech and Language Therapist

    Masters of Speech Pathology

    National University of Singapore – Bachelor of Arts (Social Work)

    Alzena worked in a paediatric setting in Australia and has experience in a variety of clinical areas. The areas include working with children that presents with speech and language difficulties and disorders, autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, social communication disorders, fluency disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Having completed a degree in social work, and a diploma in psychological studies, Alzena demonstrates a strong interest in working with the vulnerable population. She strives to advocate for her clients in pursuit of the best possible outcomes.

    During her free time, Alzena also volunteered in a hospital supporting adults with chronic aphasia and special education school supporting children with special needs.

    Alzena is passionate about providing holistic evidence-based client-centred care to clients and their families. She believes in employing innovation and creativity to ensure that therapy sessions are fun, enjoyable and at the same time support clients in realising their full potential. She strives to empower parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support their child’s speech and language development.

    Hanen – It takes two to talk

    Attended trainings on Key Word Sign Australia

    Holly Yau

    Principal Speech and Language Therapist

    National University of Singapore

     

    Holly has extensive experience working with children in different settings since graduating in 2009. She has worked with patients and their families in special education schools as well as in private therapy clinics.

    She sees children aged 18 months to 18 years old with a variety of conditions and developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, etc.). She has experience seeing them in individual sessions, group therapy sessions, home therapy as well as in tele-therapy.

    She is particularly passionate about working with children aged 7 and under. She is keen to help them and their families build a good foundation for their child’s speech and language development.

    She is fluent in English and Mandarin. She is also able to speak conversational Cantonese.

    Holly believes in helping every child to live up to their fullest potential. She strives to partner with caregivers and other professionals to provide therapy that would best benefit the child and the family.

    It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Language Delays

    Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level 1

    Talktools: A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy

    SOS Approach (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding)

    M.O.R.E.: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions

    Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

    Melissa Loh

    Occupational Therapist

    University of Melbourne, Australia – Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

    Singapore Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Prior to being an Occupational Therapist, Melissa held previous roles in early childhood and special education where she had the privilege to work with children and young adults with special needs in both school based and center based settings. These experiences gave her opportunities to assess and tailor interventions to meet the individual care needs and goals of her clients and families.

     

    As an Occupational Therapist, Melissa is passionate about creating a supportive environment for growth and learning, nurturing the potential within each client by giving them the tools to thrive. She is a strong advocate in partnering caregivers during the therapy process, recognizing their essential roles in achieving positive outcomes together.

     

    Kacey Lieu Ngoc Diep

    Occupational Therapist

    La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) – Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

    Prior to arriving in Singapore, Kacey worked as an allied health assistant in a private therapy clinic in Melbourne, where she found her passion in working with children with a wide range of needs. She was also a tutor for children with disabilities and find much joy in working with all children. Upon graduating with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Kacey has experience working in public healthcare settings, private and community clinics. In her career as a paediatric occupational therapist, she has worked closely with preschool and school-aged children to support the development of executive functions, emotional regulation, as well as other motor and learning challenges.

    Kacey believes that every child is different and that effective intervention should be tailored to their unique strengths, abilities and interests. By creating a fun, encouraging, and supportive experience, she is able to connect with the child and build a strong and meaningful relationship with them. She is also passionate in finding the best strategy to support children enjoying the therapy sessions while becoming more self-confident and making improvements in their own skills.

     

    Essentials of Sensory Integration by Dr Teresa May – Benson

    DIR®/FloortimeTM 101 DIR Model (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship Model)

    Grace Tan

    Senior Occupational Therapist

    Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

    She has over 4 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in special education in Singapore. Grace has experience working with children with autism, cerebral palsy and profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). In a school-based setting, she has worked closely with Individualised Education Program (IEP) team to support students in areas such as sensory integration, self-care skills, leisure participation, assistive technology prescription, and vocational training. Grace has carried out postural care interventions such prescription of specialised seating and sleep systems through collaboratively working with other therapists and providing parent coaching on 24-hour postural care. She has also conducted trainings for teachers in school to equip them with strategies that can be carried out in their classrooms.

    As an Occupational Therapist, Grace believes that attunement is key to connect with the child before supporting them to develop their skills to participate in their daily activities. She is passionate about integrating children with disabilities in the community through empowering their families and advocating for their needs. With a strong supportive ecosystem, the child can meaningfully engage and thrive in their natural environment.

    USC Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program

    DIR 101 Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®

    Postural Care Awareness (Level 2) by Open College Network (West Midlands)

    Essentials to Sensory Integration Intervention by Dr Theresa May-Benson

    Niamh Donnelly

    Clinical Director
    Principal Occupational Therapist

    University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

    Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.

    Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.

    Ayres Sensory Integration

    Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

    Certified DIRFloortime Provider

    SOS feeding

    Beckman Oral Motor

    MORE Feeding

    Reflex integration

    Rhythmical Movement Training

    Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

    Interactive Metronome

    Therapeutic Listening

    Trauma Informed Intervention

    Attention Autism

    DMI Certified

    Celine Goh

    Administrator

    Ferah Feyzan Turen

    Administrator

    Samuel Chi

    Speech and Language Therapy Team Lead (EIP)

    University of Sydney -Master of Speech Language Pathology

    Nanyang Technological University- Bachelor of Arts (Honors), Linguistics and Multilingual Studies

    Samuel is an AHPC registered Speech-Language Therapist who believes that therapeutic success requires the harmonious teamwork of the therapist, caregiver, and the community. Following his Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Multilingual studies, he was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from the Ministry of Health to read Speech and Language Pathology at University of Sydney.

    He has worked in a variety of settings across a wide range of populations in Singapore and Australia. Prior to joining KidsFirst, he worked in acute and community hospitals, providing assessment and intervention for clients with swallowing and communication difficulties. He is adept at treating language, speech, social and cognitive communication disorders and has also provided services at preschools, paediatric clinics and early intervention centres. These experiences have helped Samuel develop a broader understanding of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds that are involved in providing holistic speech therapy services.

    In his time with public healthcare, Samuel spearheaded a national campaign that addressed the need for the provision of modified diets in the community. This pioneer campaign was publicly launched with media coverage and allowed Samuel to work with different community stakeholders to better understand their needs.

    Samuel believes in creating a fun, child-centered therapeutic environment and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to work on goals that are meaningful to his clients. He provides therapy in English and Mandarin.

    Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his children and strength training.

    Fully Registered Speech-Language Therapist

    Certified Clinical Supervisor with Allied Health Professional Council

    Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Technique

    Signing Exact English Stage 1

    Hanen: More Than Words

    Play Project

    McNeil Dysphagia Therapy (MDTP)

    Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD)

    Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    DIRFloortime® 101

    Dynamic Temporal & Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for Speech Motor Learning

    Enhancing Early Language and Literacy Skills with Read It Again!

    Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk

    Anita Fox

    Curriculum Co-ordinator
    Senior Special Education Teacher

    Liverpool John Moores University – Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary – with SEN)

    University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching

    Anita graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Over her career, Anita has taught in various settings of Educational needs in England and Australia. For the last three years, Anita had been based in an Autistic Specialist School in Melbourne.

     
    Anita believes every child can build a love for learning and become independent lifelong learners. She uses a student-centred approach and works closely with families to help children reach their goals and their full potential.

    Niamh Donnelly

    Clinical Director
    Director of Operations
    Principal Occupational Therapist

    University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

    Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.

    Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.

    Ayres Sensory Integration

    Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

    Certified DIRFloortime Provider

    SOS feeding

    Beckman Oral Motor

    MORE Feeding

    Reflex integration

    Rhythmical Movement Training

    Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

    Interactive Metronome

    Therapeutic Listening

    Trauma Informed Intervention

    Attention Autism

    DMI Certified