“I think play is an expression of our creativity; and creativity, I believe, is at the very root of our ability to learn, to cope, and to become whatever we may be. To me, play is the process of finding new combinations for known things – combinations that may yield new forms of expression, new inventions, new discoveries, and new situations.”
Fred Rogers, 1993
We couldn’t agree more, Mister Rogers! That’s why play is such an important part of the Kindermusik experience, both in class – where we explore instruments, use our imaginations, enjoy pretend play, and even play games – and at home – where Kindermusik@Home learning resources and educational activities for kids inspire all kinds of together-time play.
Play is so much more than just the proverbial fun and games. Play is a natural activity for children. The child at play is self-motivated and actively engaged. Whereas games are governed by rules, the value of play is that it provides freedom from evaluation and judgment. The freedom of a playful atmosphere fosters intellectual development as well as self-construction and the development of personality.
In short summary, play is:
- how children learn
- one of the first steps toward social interaction
- a means for children to develop self-motivation
- one essential that helps accelerate a child’s cognitive development (Dr. Carla Hannaford, author of Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head)
- a great way for adults and children to bond
Shared by Theresa Case, whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.