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February 2007Children's Play - More than Fun and Games Jean Mendoza, Ph.D.

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Play seems to be something that children do naturally. When we watch a child or group of children at play, we can see how important it is in their lives. But adults often feel hard-pressed to define play or to explain its role in childhood. "Play," say the early childhood professionals, "is the work of children. It's how they learn about life." "Play is the language of children," the psychotherapists say, "and we can observe children's play to understand what they cannot or will not tell us about their inner lives." "Play gets in the way of learning," some school people assert, "and if we do away with recess, students will spend more time learning important things!" But children say, "Play is fun," and if we observe children, we will see that they will play, one way or another-even when the adults think there is no time for it at school, even when adults around them are preoccupied with survival in disaster areas and in war zones. To many people who work with young children, it seems clear that play is essential for their well-being. What is the nature of that need, and what can or should we adults do to foster the kinds of play that best help children express themselves and learn about the world? Join Illinois Early Learning's "Ask An Expert" in a conversation about young children's play.

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