Powerful Play: Fun, Active and Open-Ended
That is, when adults follow a child’s lead or guide without taking over.
Playful activities are:
Captivating and fun – Kids are focused and having a good time.
Active and challenging – Kids are moving and thinking.
Self-directed and open-ended – Kids are taking the lead and exploring freely.
What does powerful play look like in action?
If your child is doing these things, you’ll know it’s powerful play:
Having a good time – My child enjoys the activity.
Showing interest – My child is alert and engaged.
Moving and thinking – My child is physically and mentally active.
Exploring freely – My child is choosing what to do and how to do it.
POWERFUL PLAY
POWERFUL PLAY
Tips to Make Your Child’s Play Even More Powerful
When children play, they learn and grow. It’s that simple.
The Power of Play: Joy, Wonder and Wellness
What’s so great about play? Let’s count the ways!
Coordination
Power of Play: Coordination is a child’s awareness and control of their body and their ability to display strength, balance, precision and endurance.
Creative Thinking
Power of Play: Creative thinking is a kid’s ability to imagine, improvise, reinvent, innovate, and approach challenges from fresh perspectives.
Communication
Power of Play: Communication is how a child expresses thoughts and ideas, listens and responds to others, and engages in discussion.
(Self) Control
Power of Play: Self-control is a child’s ability to control how they express their feelings, desires and actions in ways that are safe and productive, particularly when faced with a temptation or a challenge.
Collaboration
Power of Play: Collaboration is how kids connect with others, cooperate, empathize and engage in teamwork.
Critical Thinking
Power of Play: Critical thinking is a child’s ability to be curious and analytical, to evaluate different options, to make plans and to reflect.
Confidence
Power of Play: Confidence is a kid’s belief that they can accomplish something, or attempt something, based on their own abilities and mindset.