To the casual observer, child's play simply looks like fun and games. However, experienced pediatric occupational therapists recognize play as something much more profound - a biological imperative and powerful catalyst for developing many of life's critical skills.
At BUILD Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Cincinnati, we actively use play as a treatment to facilitate progress in areas like motor skills, cognitive abilities, socialization and overall childhood occupations. Here's a deeper look at why play is so vitally important for young children.
How Play Contributes to Healthy Development
From building physical abilities to processing sensory input to practicing social interactions, the simple act of playing freely exercises a child's skills across multiple domains, including:
Motor Skills
Activities like climbing, jumping, catching and manipulating toys refine gross and fine motor abilities, strength, coordination, balance and more. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, play helps develop new neural connections and pathways in the brain related to movement.
Cognition
Pretend play allows kids to develop language, memory, problem-solving, creativity and higher thinking abilities by experimenting with roles, environments, cause/effect and abstract concepts.
Social and Emotional Growth
Skills like sharing, taking turns, resolving conflicts and expressing emotions are learned and practiced through interactive play with peers, parents and play materials.
Self-Regulation
Play provides opportunities to experience and overcome challenges, frustrations and obstacles through trial and error - building crucial self-regulation abilities.
Sensory Processing & Integration
Hands-on, multi-sensory play activities feed the brain a "nutrient-rich diet of sensory experiences" to help make sense of sights, sounds, textures and motions, explains The Inspired Treehouse.
Overall, the freedom and joy of child-led play helps build confidence, motivation, decision-making and independence as children direct their own explorations and learning.
Play's Role in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Play is a child's primary occupational role, making it a perfect context and modality for OT interventions. Pediatric occupational therapists purposefully create play experiences with specific developmental targets, such as:
Facilitating motor skills development through games, crafts and obstacle courses
Improving executive function through make-believe scenarios requiring planning and sequencing
Resolving sensory processing difficulties with specialized activities and equipment
Addressing social and emotional goals in interactive play groups with peers
Play-based treatment helps make therapy motivating and engaging while allowing OTs to observe and address difficulties in a naturalistic setting.
If you have concerns about your child's development in any area of childhood occupation, our skilled and caring occupational therapy team at BUILD can evaluate their needs and implement customized, play-based treatment plans. Contact our team to get started with an evaluation.
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