Play is regularly identified as essential for children as they grow up. It’s an integral part of a child’s early years and supports their learning and developmental journeys – through play, they acquire linguistic, emotional, creative and social skills.
Play begins with curiosity through touch and imagination, giving children a sense of adventure. We need to ensure that it’s an integral part of our children’s everyday life and for them to reap its benefits.
Singapore regularly hosts conferences on the importance of this aspect of childhood, bringing together regional educational communities where studies on how children’s play maximises individual learning potential are discussed. The subject has continued to fascinate both medical and educational professions. It’s exhaustive and extensive.
A highlight of the recent Circuit Breaker was seeing walkways full of life, with families enjoying activities and playing together. Intergenerational play has been in decline, so this was a refreshing revival. As we grow up, we reshape play into recreation, which is just as critical in our adult lives. Such activities release endorphins that improve brain functionality and stimulate creativity. Singapore has over 300 parks and four nature reserves for us to enjoy, so let’s get out, visit them and never stop the power of play!
