The subjects and topics we could cover in a home education are endless. Literally. If there are things that can be learned, they can be homeschool subjects. But there is one subject that trumps all the others in its importance, relevance, necessity, and ability to produce the best results, and that is… Play.
Children need to play.
In his book Free to Learn, Peter Gray says,
“From a biological, evolutionary perspective, play is nature’s way of ensuring that young mammals, including humans, will practice and become good at the skills they need to develop to survive and thrive in their environments.”
What he is saying is that children get good at being adults, by first being allowed to be children. Play is crucial because it gives children the time and freedom to practice the skills they will need most as adults. The benefits of play are seemingly endless, but here are just a few.
The Benefits of Play
- Increases creativity
- Promotes gains in motor function
- Increases strength
- Encourages practice of social skills
- Encourages practice of practical skills
- Naturally teaches physical and emotional limits
- Reduces stress
- Encourages problem solving
- Helps cooperative learning
- Increases joy
- Fosters communication skills
And the list goes on and on. To add to this, children can still learn math, reading and writing through play. They learn science and physics through natural exploration. They may not come away from play knowing who Newton was, but they can discover his laws naturally and later put a name to the lesson they’ve already mastered.
Play and Older Children
You may be thinking “this is all well and good for little children and babies, but what about my teen?” I have good news for you: your teen will also benefit from play. The social skills that teens are learning – still learned through play. The life skills that they are practicing? Learned through play. The hobbies they spend hours practicing? Hello, play!
Play in teens will look different from that of younger children. But consider the life of an adult. Do we not also benefit from play? Play is where we de-stress. It’s where we also learn new skills or hone the ones we already have. Play is where we engage in true social interactions. And teens are still living in bodies that are growing and changing. Play is the time when they continue to figure out their changing bodies, flex new muscles, and figure out what type of person they truly wish to be.
So while you’re considering all that you wish to cover this homeschool year, don’t forget to schedule lots and LOTS of time for play. Physically, socially, and emotionally, your children will be reaping the benefits.
Play on, my friends.
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