The importance of play in early childhood is manifold.

Children learn in many ways, and play is the bases of learning within an early childhood or primary curriculum. It is a natural activity for children through which they make meaning of their world. Play within the early childhood framework lays a foundation for initiating, promoting and sustaining life long learning.

Play is the vehicle used by teachers to gain knowledge of children's interests so they can plan and put into practice a play based curriculum.

The Characteristics of Play in Early Childhood

Play is intrinsically motivated and requires the active involvement of children.

Play is dominated by the children and focuses on the process of the play rather than an end product.

Play is carried out as if the activity were real.

Play is a natural activity for children through which they make meaning of the world around them.

Play is relatively free from externally imposed rules. It is inexpensive and needs only a child's imagination.

Types of Play

Games With Rules - Establish limits so a child learns to understand specific directions and sequencing of events. negotiation, take turns, and following directions are all part of games with rules.

Constructive Play - is the manipulation of objects to construct or make something. It involves problem solving, making choices, making plans, and exploring options. building a cubby house is constructive play.

Manipulative Play - allows children to plan for a sensory experience. The use of blocks for building, paints to express in pictures, play dough and collate, all allow children to interact with materials to enhance their senses through manipulative play.

Directed Play - is usually adult directed and involves mastering a skill involved in the play. Using balance beams or climbing rope ladders can be extended into other play. eg : a tree house.

Extended Free Play - is very much a child's time without adult input. Children enhance, enrich and make their own rules for the play. Backyard play at home is often extended free play.

Educational and Non-educational Play - is adult directed and has a purpose to the play. Games with sequence and dramatic play help children to understand structure and turn taking.

Physical Play - can be indoors or outdoors, in particular settings. eg : obstacle courses, vigorous play or action songs at music time.

Make-Believe Play - is a realistic role play which uses a child's imagination and life experiences to create a play sequence. Play in home corner and the sandpit are great places to observe make-believe play.

Fantasy Play - involves fantasy characters and situations. Children have vivid imaginations and use them liberally in their fantasy play. Dressing up as Superman or fairies are examples of fantasy play.

Exploratory Play - involves, arranging, sorting, comparing, and transforming items in the environment. It is a journey of discovery using a child's senses and deductive abilities. Block corner, construction materials, and stringing beads are examples of exploratory play.

Adults work so they can afford to play. Play is children's work. So let the children play.