Play: Our Brain’s Favourite Way of Learning

Early Childhood Educators in daycares and JK/SK classrooms are asked the same question by nearly every parent who walks through their doors. “My child is just playing – shouldn’t they be learning?” Albert Einstein told us that “play is the highest form of research.” And Diane Ackerman declares that “play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.”

Play is key to children’s learning and development, and comes with a plethora of benefits. Play builds imagination and creativity, fosters cognitive growth, improves literacy, encourages independence and teamwork, promotes physical fitness, and helps emotional development. Play is the way children and young people learn about the world and themselves. 

There’s no better time for play than the summer and it’s not just for kids. Follow the lead of your child and get in some good ole playtime for yourself, adults! You’ll find it’s of great benefit to your physical and mental health too.

Dance Extreme starts things off in our July issue by “Keeping Kids Active with Dance-Inspired Fun”. Have you ever heard of dance picnics or a dance and splash? Find out about these joys on page 2.

Miz Marce carries play into adulthood and we absolutely love that! Be inspired to “Live! Not Survive” by reading of her white water rafting and jungle trek adventures on page 12.

Sometimes, play turns into world-class skill. Even the biggest athletes started small. We’re getting very excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games in July and August. Custom Orthotics gives us a preview of the “Canadian Athletes Set to Shine at the 2024 Paralympic Games” on page 21.

Jeremy McCall reminds us that we only have 18 summers with our kiddos, so why not fill them with play! His ideas for an awesome summer day are some of our local faves – cool off in the splash pad at Gibbons Park (plus play Pooh Sticks in the river – find out what this is on page 8) or take a road trip to Port Stanley (complete with a Shaw’s Ice Cream stop on the way back, of course!)

Make this summer one to remember – one that is full of play… and learning. Here’s wishing you a jubilant July!

 

Sabina Manji, a lifelong Londoner, is an irrepressible entrepreneur, mother of a wonderful son, and also a committed volunteer.