Play supports their:

• Physical development: Play helps children to build both their gross motor (running, climbing, walking etc) and fine motor skills (e.g. ability to pick up and manipulate small objects)

• Social and emotional development: Children start by playing independently and slowly build the skills to play co-operatively. Play provides an opportunity for your child to explore and act out their world

• Cognitive development: Play encourages negotiation, creative thinking, and adaptability

• Language development: Play helps children build on their receptive language (ability to understand) and their expressive language (ability to speak). Pretend play is the foundation for narrative skills, as children slowly grow in their ability to create elaborate plots in play.

 Play is enjoyable and fun for your child. The types of play your child engages in will develop throughout their preschool journey and into their school years.

So let them play and explore, and join in when you can!