• Log in
  • Create an account
  • Check out
Cart:0item(s)
KidzstuffonlineONLINE TOY SHOP
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Specials
  • Laybuy
  • Shipping
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Shop By Age
  • Shop By Price
  • Home
  • Blogs
  • Should We Encourage Structured or Free Play for Kids?

Blogs

0 comments

Should We Encourage Structured or Free Play for Kids?

Posted on: Nov 06
Filed under do kids need structured play, free play for kids, How Much Playtime Kids Need, what type of play is good for kids

Should We Encourage Structured or Free Play for Kids?

  1.  Human, Should We Encourage Structured or Free Play for Kids?

Kids learn through playing, there’s no denying it. With our busy lives, fitting in playtime with our kids is a struggle sometimes. Not wanting to ‘waste’ the opportunity, we want to provide the best play experiences we can. So, does that mean we should encourage structured or free play for kids?

 

Structured Verses Free Play for Kids

 

Let’s look at the differences between structured and unstructured free play:

 

  • Structured Play – this is when as adults we plan what activities our kids are going to do. This is common at kindergartens and day care centres where teachers want a specific learning goal to be achieved. An adult is responsible for helping kids perform this activity, showing them how it works.

 

  • Unstructured or Free Play – this type of play lets the kids themselves choose what they want to play. It is unplanned and while adults can be involved, they do not direct the children in their play.

 

Both types of play are important for our children’s development. There is no right or wrong way to play. Rather the type and kind of play depends on the developmental stage of the child.

  1.  Person, Should We Encourage Structured or Free Play for Kids?

Benefits of Structured Play for Kids

 

Our children can learn many wonderful things through joining in with structured play. Some of the benefits include:

 

  • Working with a team
  • Learning how to manage emotions and improve social skills
  • Develop bonds with others they play with
  • Learn about rules and boundaries

 

Structured play can include activities such as card games, board games, block building or playing musical instruments.

 

Benefits of Free Play for Kids

 

The advantages of letting our kids choose their own play are:

 

  • Building conflict resolution skills
  • Helps build their imagination,
  • Increased creativity and decision-making skills
  • Encourages risk taking

 

Free play includes activities such as choosing from dress-up clothes to put on a play, exploring in the garden with gardening tools, or exploring with a range of art and craft supplies.

 

How Can Parents Encourage Kids to Play More?

Leave a comment

← Previous post
Next post →

Categories

  • Action Figures & Toys
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Baby gear
  • Baby Products
  • Baby Toys
  • Banbao Building Blocks
  • Bath Toys
  • Bed Warmers
  • Books
  • Boys Toys
  • Brickadoo Building sets
  • Building Blocks
  • Building Toys
  • Christmas
  • Clothing, bags, shoes and more
  • Dolls
  • Dress Ups / kids costumes
  • Educational Toys
  • Figurines and miniatures
  • For Mum
  • Games
  • Gift Certificates
  • Giftwrap and card
  • Girly Things
  • Homeware
  • Latest Products
  • Le Toy Van
  • Musical Toys
  • Night Lights
  • Nightlights & Decor
  • Novelty toys
  • Outside toys
  • Paulinda Modeling Products
  • Playmobil
  • Pretend Play
  • Puzzles
  • Remote Control Toys
  • Sand and Water toys
  • Science
  • Soft Toys - Plush
  • Specials
  • specials
  • Star Wars
  • Sylvanian Families
  • Trains
  • Trikes, bikes and ride ons
  • Trucks, Cars, Farm and Planes
  • Wooden Toys
  • X Shop By Age
  • X Shop By Price

Best Sellers

Gift wrapping and card with message
$5.99
Gift wrapping and card with message
kidz-stuff-online - Shoebox Giftbox
$50.00
Mystery Giftbox
kidz-stuff-online - Cinderella Pink Dress-Up
$34.99 $39.99
Cinderella Pink Dress-Up

Information

  • Products
  • About Us
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Privacy Notice
  • Conditions of Use
  • Blog
  • Laybuy

Popular Products

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Baby Toys
  • Bath Toys
  • Blocks
  • Educational
  • Wooden Toys

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
KidzstuffonlineONLINE TOY SHOP
  • Kidzstuffonline, 16 Mokoia Road Bikenhead Auckland
  • Tel: 09 480 8192
  • Email: info@kidzstuffonline.co.nz
  • amex
  • visa
  • mastercard

Laybuy What's this?
Laybuy What's this?

© 2021 Kidzstuffonline. All Rights Reserved. Website by Flux Lab.