As children grow older, school becomes more structured and academics take center stage. But one thing many parents and schools often overlook is the continued importance of play—not just for fun, but for learning, emotional growth, and brain development.
Even for school-age kids, play is not a luxury—it’s a critical part of education.
- What Counts as Play for Older Kids?
Play evolves as children grow. For school-age children (6–12 years), it may look like:
- Imaginative play (role-playing, storytelling)
- Outdoor games and sports
- Building and creating (LEGO, crafts, inventions)
- Board games or puzzles
- Social games with peers (tag, pretend school, made-up rules)
This isn’t “wasted time”—it’s learning in disguise.
- Play Builds the Brain
Through play, kids naturally develop essential skills:
🧠 Cognitive skills: problem-solving, planning, memory, and focus
🗣️ Language skills: storytelling, listening, expressing ideas
💡 Creativity: inventing new rules, thinking outside the box
📈 Executive function: self-control, task-switching, working memory
It’s the perfect lab for developing the soft skills that matter most in school and life.
- Play Strengthens Emotional Health
When kids play, they process emotions, test boundaries, and explore roles—all in a low-stakes environment.
🎭 Whether acting out stories or competing in sports, play helps them:
- Build resilience
- Learn to handle winning and losing
- Express frustration or joy
- Explore their identity and values
Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-play-learning/
- Social Play Develops People Skills
Group play—especially unstructured—teaches children:
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy and perspective-taking
- Negotiation and rule-making
📢 These skills can’t be taught through worksheets. They’re learned by doing—together.
- Play and Academic Success Go Hand-in-Hand
Research shows that kids who have regular opportunities to play:
- Perform better academically
- Have better attention spans
- Are more motivated to learn
When schools reduce recess or free time to “focus on learning,” they often achieve the opposite.
Source: https://www.myteachingcupboard.com/blog/benefits-of-play-based-learning
- How Parents Can Support Play at Home
- Protect time for unstructured play—even during the school week
- Encourage downtime without screens (imaginative or physical play)
- Provide open-ended materials: building blocks, costumes, craft supplies
- Value the process, not the product (“That looks fun!” instead of “What did you make?”)
🏡 Make your home a place where curiosity is welcomed and messes are okay.
- Advocate for Play in School Settings
Not all schools prioritize play—but parents can:
- Ask about recess policies and play-based learning
- Support teachers who use games and movement in lessons
- Volunteer for creative or outdoor school programs
- Gently remind educators and administrators that play supports learning, not distracts from it
Conclusion
Play isn’t something kids outgrow when they enter “real school.” It’s how they make sense of the world, solve problems, and build relationships. By protecting time and space for play—even as school demands grow—you help your child develop into a more capable, creative, and emotionally balanced learner.
