The Density: Does your child play? :The link between active play and academics.

Does your child play?

The link beween active play and academics.

Remember our childhood? You know…When our mothers forced us to play outside. I mean, I had and still have strict parents so I rarely ever socialized with other children but I was still forced to play, whether it be outside or inside, play was vital.

I never had a cellphone at 8 and tablets were not made available yet during my time.My time wasn’t too long ago though , but thinking about 14 years ago? Sjoe!

Anyway,well,the reason behind today’s topic or blog post is because as a student Educator in the Elementary phase, I have picked up rather “strange” habits from my learners and also from my 8 and 9 year old nephews, as well as their friends.

By “strange” habits I mean “NOT PLAYING.” I swear children don’t play anymore. We live in a technology friendly age but how friendly is it if it prevents children from developing to their full potential?

According to Dr. Ginsburg of the American Academy of Pediatrics,play promotes healthy child development and builds strong parent child bonds.

Child life specialist Amy Wortham says that play is helpful for a variety of reasons. More than anything,it's a way for youngsters to enjoy some 'normal' time in a place where children are out of their comfort zone. "playing is the way kids learn about their world, it helps them process and experience it on their own terms." says Wortham.

Often, we find that the new generation of parents have become so indulged in work and rarely have time for their children. Bonding time with your child isn't just sitting the same room while you're trying to meet your deadline and your child is playing Subway Surf on your iPad. Bonding time goes way beyond that. It is important to set aside at least an hour of your time from paper work and invest it in playing physical games with your child such as soccer,tennis or anything else which involves physical movement. You don't have to go and buy expensive equipment,in fact you don't need equipment at all. Your child can either run,walk,clap his hands,catch,throw or even just turn around and jump around.

Even on rainy days,play is important. Rainy days shouldn't be seen as literal rainy days. Children enjoy building blocks,putting puzzles together or playing a game of Twister,if possible-be careful not to break your child's bones,please.

Yes,most parents-if not all,want to brag about how their child can operate a mobile device from an early age and how their child can understand the Dora The Explora App games. Yes,it's excellent that children can catch on easily with technology but how easy will it be for them to catch on with practical activities.

A study shows that children who are physically active on the field tend to produce better test scores or perform better academically,especially in Mathematics. Children achieve higher academic marks when they pass more fitness tests. Personally,for me,that explains a lot about South Africa's poor academic performance in his day and age. It says something about why South Africa's overall education is ranked 138 out of 140 economies around the world and 140 out of 44 counties in Maths and Science. For 2 years in a row,South African education has failed to impress internationals.

Coincidence? I wonder.

So,please,let your child play. Put away the iPad and cellphone for while. Give your child a TV break,in fact children should have limited television time. Do not give your child a mobile device to keep them "well behaved" or "busy" in the car. Purchase kiddies music CDs,play them in your car and develop your child's gross motor skills by allowing them to clap to the cool,rhythmic kiddies' music.

Lets take it back to the days when we were forced to play and be active. Physical activities are meant for all children of all races everyday of their growing lives.

click on these links for games that you and your little ones can play.

http://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/

http://www.todaysparent.com/toddler/20-fun-indoor-games/

Resource list