Play and learning

Here are some of the ways children learn through play.

Learning - intellectual developmente.g. Sorting toys - learning about number and grouping Puzzles - learning about shapes, sizes, number Posting boxes - learning about space and size Hitting a mobile and making it move - learning about cause and effect Card games and board games Making up games	Developing motor (physical) skills e.g. Pushing and pulling toys Riding on toys Picking up small things Throwing and catching Climbing toys Using crayons or paint brushes Writing Computer games Hitting balls
Social/emotional developmente.g. Playing alongside others and watching them Playing with others Playing mothers and fathers Copying adults and practising adult tasks and roles Water, paint and mud - expresses feelings Music - relaxes and expresses feelings Pretend play - dressing up Games with rules (eg hopscotch, card games, ball games)	Developing languagee.g. Stories and books Songs Nursery rhymes Games with friends and adults Talking to each other Listening to tapes