It's heartwarming to see children having so much fun playing outside.

In fact, "play" has hidden elements that not only improve physical strength but also greatly influence the development of the mind and brain. In this column, we will explain the surprising learning that can be acquired through three types of play and the points that lead to development.

1. Tag

Tag involves running, fleeing, and chasing, so it's not just about building up physical strength through running.

・Be aware of the group, not just yourself and the other person

The role of the "demon" involves building relationships with each child (the demon and the child running away) and eventually becoming aware of the group as a whole.

・Ability to read other people's feelings

As the children get older, around age 5, the "Oni" will pretend to be targeting another "Kid" in order to catch a nearby "Kid," thus outwitting the other child. It has been reported that this may involve the ability to read the intentions of others, in other words, theory of mind (the ability to infer the mental state of others).

2. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek is not just about hiding and seeking.

・Ability to understand what others are thinking and their perspectives

When it is the hiding role, the child must hide, and when it is the searching role, the child must not peek at the child hiding while the other children are hiding, and the children hiding must not tell the searching child where they are hiding.

When hiding or searching for something, whether from a friend or foe, children tend to take into account the perspective of others, suggesting that this behavior is related to the development of a "theory of mind" that allows children to understand the perspective of others.

3. Playing in the sand and mud

・A treasure trove of diverse senses and learning

Playing with sand and mud is a multi-sensory experience: the feel of the dry sand, the cool mud, the texture of the water - all these different sensory stimulations.

Stanley Hall, known as the father of American child studies, built a sandbox for his children and watched them play in it. He once said, "Sandplay contains all the elements of education: hard work, foresight, morality, geography, mathematics, and more. Sandplay is ideal because it integrates a variety of interests and activities." This suggests that sandplay can be connected to a variety of educational activities.

summary

Children's casual play is packed with the power to develop their minds, bodies, and social skills. Isn't it our role as adults to create an environment where children can play freely and safely?

There are many hints for children's development in everyday play.



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Author
Minori Nakayama, Physical Therapist at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic

Supervision
Dr. Yasushi Sera, Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic

Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic https://sera-clinic.com/