If we talk about the game in childhood, we have to understand that it is not only a recreation time, but that at this age, the game is the way in which children learn. All game experiences are those that stimulate and enhance the child’s brain.
Therefore, you have to give it time, dedication, not only physical but quality. The time we are playing, we must be connected with the children in order to provide them with the tools they need to continue learning.
By being present in time and space, we connect with their needs, with what they are saying, with the way they act… and it allows us to identify both learning and needs.
We can define 4 types of games that are important to play
- The Imaginary Game, that of Representing or pretending to be. These types of activities help them develop the ability to retain the image of what is represented in their mind, to think abstractly and to use their imagination.
- The musical game, both listening and singing. Strengthens neural connections. Through songs, you can learn new words to increase their vocabulary, as well as teach them names of people and objects! Constant repetition helps them fix concepts. In addition to language, listening to melodies and moving to the rhythm of music stimulates the auditory, visual and motor cortex.
- The artistic game for its part, favors sensory experiences. Painting, drawing, creating not only stimulates fine motor skills but also thinking. When the children observe that moving a pencil or crayon on paper leaves a mark, a color is painted… they incorporate the concept of the cause/effect relationship.
- Shared play helps them stimulate new ways of doing things. Playing alone or with others is not the same. When we play in the company of other people, we are learning to share, to listen to the other, to socialize, to take turns to play or do things, and to have a role within a dynamic.
The game contributes to the holistic development of our children. It helps them to enrich themselves with new experiences and situations that will provide them with tools to grow.