What is Play
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Definition
Benefits of Play
Physical Benefits
Emotional Benefits
Mental Benefits
Social Benefits
Activity
Benefits of Play: Physical
It is widely accepted that children get stronger, healthier bodies when they engage in activities that having them working their muscles, heart and lungs - their ENTIRE body. Running, biking, skateboarding, swimming, climbing, sports are a few activities that promote physical fitness. If your child uses assistive devices, like wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, etc., or, must rely on others to assist them to physically move, he can achieve an optimal level of physical benefit from involvement in more active recreational pursuits. The physical benefits of play are numerous.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Fine and gross motor skills are developed and enhanced through recreational involvement. As a child at play learns to reach, crawl, walk, run, climb, jump, throw, catch and balance, gross motor skills are developed and maintained. Fine motor skills are developed through the use of hands and fingers to handle and manipulate toys.Strength, flexibility, coordination
Through the repetition of basic physical skills in play, children perfect their abilities and become competent in increasingly difficult physical tasks. The rough and tumble of active play facilitates children's sensorimotor development, which is proper coordination between brain signals and the movement of the body. Hand-eye coordination is also improved through play, as well as the development of strong, agile muscles.
Play experiences promote coordination and the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Stronger, healthier bodies
Play benefits the body in many ways. Today, there are increasing concerns about childhood inactivity and the devastating effects it has on the body. Engaging in play increases one's physical activity level, which can reduce risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, asthma and other serious health problems including psychological disorders such as depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). The surgeon general recommends that children participate in a minimal of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). If a child is unable to meet this goal, developing an individualized program that accommodates the child's specific needs and fitness level is recommended. Physical activity also has physiological effects on the body that make us feel good. For example, in response to play and laughter, the body releases a chemical known as endorphins which alleviates stress, and produce good feelings.« Previous | Next »
This online resource has been created through a collaborative project of the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) with content and design development by the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) and the Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. This project is funded through a grant from the Division of Human Development and Disability at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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