Playtime Is Learning Time

     Learning is something we take very seriously, and at our house PLAYTIME IS LEARNING TIME! Of course, children can learn in numerous ways, but playing seems to be the most FUN method of learning for us. While playing with his market and kitchen set little “B” talks about the colors and shapes of his toy food. He explores textures and sizes while cooking a pretend meal for his stuffed animals. And, he exercises his early reading skills by pointing out letters on his cardboard food boxes.

     I truly believe most anything can be taught through play if you just think about it creatively. Parents and children can count wooden blocks while making a tower. You can even discuss the concept of erosion while playing in the backyard sandbox. Build a beautiful castle or sand fort and watch as it slowly washes away as water is gently poured at the edges. You can even discuss gravity (and the concept of zero gravity) while dropping soft, break resistant toys off of a deck or the top of the stairs. 

     So remember, next time you are rolling around on the floor with your little one laughing from all of the tickles and jokes, grab a toy and make this wonderfully fun playtime an exciting (and still totally fun) learning experience. Happy learning!!!