Importance of Play | Green Bean Collection

​Play is essential to a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development, encouraging abilities such as problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction, while also promoting overall well-being.

**Child-Led Play Makes a Peaceful Day**
Child-led play offers numerous advantages, with problem-solving skills being a primary area of development. Play is a child's introduction to decision-making and a foundation for education and work. It gives children opportunities to practice leadership skills, experiment, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes. Children miss the opportunity to practice making sound decisions independently if adults are always in control.

When children have complete control over the direction and result of their play, their confidence, creativity, and innovation are greatly enhanced.

You will notice a considerable improvement in your child's positive behaviour throughout the day if you incorporate at least 15 minutes of child-led play into your regular routine. Consistency is essential for achieving these results. Inform the youngster a few minutes in advance such as, "when the timer goes off, it's time to play".

For infants up to 18 months, choose three toys, arrange them in front of them, and let them decide which one they want to pick up and play with.

Use a timer or schedule a daily time dedicated to child-led play, such as after tea, for children 18 months and older.

Green Bean's Garden

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Soft Toy | Green Bean™

£8.99

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7in1 Card Game | Green Bean and Friends™

£6.99

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**What does the EYFS say about the importance of play?**
According to the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for group and school-based providers, "Play is essential for children's development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals, and solve problems.

Baby Bean 0 to 24M

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Preschool Bean 2 to 5Y

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Jumping Bean 5 to 7Y

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"Supernanny" Jo Frost emphasises the importance of play in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience, and advocates for unstructured, spontaneous activities.

Here's a closer look at Jo Frost's perspective on the importance of play:
*Developmental Benefits:*
Jo Frost, like many child development experts, recognises the crucial role play plays in a child's overall development.

*Cognitive Development:*
Children can experiment, explore, and build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through play.

*Emotional Development:*
Children learn to manage their emotions, develop empathy, and improve their social skills through play.

*Creative Thinking:*
Play allows children to be imaginative, express themselves, and develop their creativity.

*Physical Development:*
Play, particularly outdoor play, promotes physical development, coordination, and gross motor skills.

Soft Toy | Beckett The Bee™

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Children's Jigsaw Puzzle | Green Bean and Friends™

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Soft Toy | Mr Bear™

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