Studies Prove Kids Activities Significantly Improve Social and Academic Skills

Studies over decades have highlighted the importance of kids activities in early childhood development especially in social, emotional and physical aspects of growth.

Singapore, Singapore - April 16, 2018 /PressCable/ —

Multiple studies over decades have highlighted the importance of kids activities in early childhood development especially in social, emotional and physical aspects of growth. Indoor activities, child-led play and exploration are some of the most useful forms of play.

One study from Montana University cited several research done proving that the right kids activities promote social, emotional and even academic development. While certain activities done by kids (and even as early as infants) help improve their brain development and function, using smartphones and tablets (or even too much exposure to television) are proven to do the opposite. A Telegraph article,along with some other research done, discusses the negative effects of these devices to babies brain development and some studies suggests that too much exposure can actually hinder said life skills.

From infancy until early childhood, the role of parents in their child’s development is huge– in fact, they are almost completely responsible for what the child learns during those stages. Play and the right kids activities are one of the most necessary aspects of child growth. But there are different kinds of play babies and toddlers engage in. Some types of child play include playing on their own (solitary play), observing other kids and adults (onlooker play), playing with other kids (parallel and social play), learning to jump, run, play hide and seek (motor play), create scenarios and construct a world of their own (constructive play), sing, dance, draw and express themselves in different ways.

While playing on their own and child-led play helps children learn to be independent, socializing with other children is essential for toddlers. Social play helps them understand how to deal with the world around them and how to engage with others. This alone is a big factor in becoming a successful and stable adult. However, the advantages they get from social types of kids activities do not end in learning to communicate with others and strengthening their language skills, they learn creativity and cooperation too. Furthermore, they get to develop negotiation, problem solving, sharing and decision-making skills.

Because of proper play (and this is contrary to the belief that play hinders academics) kids also sharpen brain function which helps them learn faster and understand lessons better. ” It enhances children’s learning readiness and their cognitive development by allowing them to move from subject and area without of the fear of failure,” shares the research.

” Children develop a sense of self, learn to interact with other children, how to make friends, and the importance of role-playing.”

But what are the right kids activities?

Many studies explain that the use of tablets and smartphones are not the way to go. Despite everything becoming digital, children are in as best as possible recommended to be exposed in the minimum amount of time or none at all to the said gadgets.

According to research from the Birkbeck, University of London and King’s College London “Babies and toddlers who spent more time using a touchscreen slept less at night and, despite sleeping more during the day, slept for less time overall and also took longer to fall asleep.”

Apart its effects on sleep, many scientists also speculate that the use of these gadgets might hinder the development of self-control and self-soothing mechanisms for children. Further it might take the time used for activities that are beneficial might be replaced by screen time.

Instead of internet use, parents are encouraged to be both hands on and set play dates with other kids their age. Outdoor activities on the park and playground is a great way to build muscle strength and social skills. But with the increasing temperatures and the heightened dangers of the outdoors for kids, parents can be pleased to know that alternatives such as indoor playgrounds exists.

Indoor play centers provide children with the socializing they need and different toys as well as obstacle courses they can explore. A regular visit to indoor playgrounds can help kids develop social, physical, cognitive development.

Various kids activities that encourage creativity such as arts and crafts and easy to follow games can also help parents and children bond all while they get brain simulation.

While tablet use can be the easiest way around, it does not help in the long-term as well as proper kids activities like childhood play. The benefits of play for children in important life skills outweigh any other consideration parents may have. There are tons of different ways to engage in play with kids as simple as bringing them to an indoor playground and letting them play the way they want.

Contact Info:
Name: Hariman Kwok
Organization: The Polliwogs
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard Suntec City Mall, #02-724, Tower 4, Singapore, singapore 038983, Singapore

For more information, please visit http://www.thepolliwogs.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 331135