A child learns through play.

I’d like to share a story with you.

Not long ago, I had dinner with my granddaughter.

Some waiting was involved.

Our visit evolved into a delightful game of tic-tac-toe!

A tic-tac-toe board was constructed of dinnerware.  Sweetener packets became markers.  The Youngest Rule was activated.  That is, the youngest person in the game ALWAYS, AND WITHOUT EXCEPTION, moved first.  She became the holder of the pink markers.

And, as you can see, she had me two ways with her pink markers!

I captured the event with this photograph.

As I look at this image, I think of at least six ways that she learned through play.

Here are some ways that play was involved.

First of all, very young children explore objects as play.  In simple ways, they experience an object.  In this type of play, the child uses the object repetitively.  Children feel objects.  They bang objects.  They put objects in their mouth.  Over time, that exploration gradually changes into using the object in the way that it was designed to be used.

Gradually, play involves building or creating structures with a plan in mind.  The plan could involve a variety of materials at hand — blocks or playdoh or sand or sticks or even cups.  Cities can be constructed of cups!

Some play involves make-believe or pretending.  When pretending, things can be substituted for something else.  Objects can be used as though they were the real thing!

Play helps children learn to interact and relate to other people. Children learn to initiate interaction.  Children learn to take turns.  Children learn how to win and lose.

Play involves developing thinking skills and problem-solving skills.

Play encourages language development and communication skills, as those develop hand in hand.

Play.  It’s so important.  Through play, a child learns about the world!