Children’s imagination worlds are quite wide compared to adults. Children often do not prefer to express their feelings and thoughts with words. Because he thinks that he will express himself better by symbolizing what he wants to tell and thinks. Play also occupies a very important place in the world of children. Play provides emotional closeness and bonding between the child and the parent. The game has many other benefits besides bonding and emotional intimacy. One of them is the healing power of the game.
Functions of Play
The healing power of play shows “miraculous” positive results, especially in children who have had traumatic experiences and have been forced to be exposed to traumatic experiences.
Another function of the game; It is to enable the child to experience negative situations and experiences by presenting the negative situations and experiences that the child may encounter in real life in a controlled manner and in a play environment where the child has fun. Thus, the child will gain the ability to control and cope with negative situations.
Playing games supports the creativity of the child. It enriches the world of dreams.
Playing supports a child’s self-confidence. The child learns to express himself better by playing games.
The child playing games becomes aware of his needs during the game. The child can express his needs with the scenario he creates in the game or symbolize it with toys.
Play occupies an important place in a child’s life. Children learn with games and grow with games.
Playing games supports the child’s all-round development.
Contribution of Play to Social Development
Making and maintaining friendships
Complying with the rules of society, internalizing the rules
Developing internal control
Playing Contribution to Emotional Development
Playing games provides the child with the opportunity to recognize their own emotions.
Playing, the child learns to express his emotions appropriately.
Played children begin to take into account the feelings of others.
The Contribution of Play to Physical Development
Playing games positively supports the child’s body and movement development.
A child’s hand skills develop while playing.
Movement proficiency is increased.
Contribution of Play to Mental Development
The child learns the properties of concepts and objects by playing games.
Playing helps the child use his/her language effectively.
Play helps the child to develop problem solving skills.
