Parent Training

Workshop on
Play
Ana Zapata
HD 306

Play
Parent training workshop

Today we will discuss:

What Play really is

Types of Play

Benefits of Play

Putting it to practice

What is Play?

When you and I go to work we

work, well when your child goes
to school and all they do is
play, they too are hard at work.

Children learn best through

play, they are naturally playful.

Though they dont know it, by

playing and learning they are
developing a positive approach
to learning.

Types of Play

Dramatic Play- dressing up,

pretending to take on adult
roles, imaginary settings (H.A.)

Manipulative Playmanipulating small toys or

objects to build, like Legos,
pony beads, even puzzles.

Physical Play- whole body

activity, like bikes, balls,
playground structures.

Creative Play- using art

materials focusing on the
process, not the product.

The Benefits of Play

Physical Development- fine and gross motor development occurs

through play. Developing fine motor skills builds strength and handeye coordination needed for writing skills

Language Development- expands their vocabulary and develop

communication skills, such as grammar rules and syntax.

Self-Concept- builds self-esteem and confidence. Also builds a

sense of self (who am I?)

Social Development- children learn prosocial skills like selfregulation, listening, negotiating, and build problem-solving skills.

Cognitive Development- children develop critical-thinking skills,

math concepts, and explore their creativity.

Now that we understand

what play is, the types of
play and the benefits of
play, lets put it to practice

Lets begin with a DIY

Playdough.

Begin by mixing all the dry ingredients in a

bowl.
Then add the oil and the water to the mixture
and mix until firm and cool to the touch.
Once cooled, take out of bowl and knead it on
a flat surface until stickiness is gone.
Your playdough is now ready. Lets play!

Play is infinite.
The possibilities are endless
Now that your playdough is ready here are some playful ideas.

Dice and playdough- roll dice, have child count the dots on dice, then have child
roll the corresponding number of playdough balls.

Mixing colors- in a Ziploc bag add two different color playdough balls. Ask child
to predict what color it will turn into if you mixed the two colors? Have child
combine the two balls and to see what color it turned into. (Yellow + Blue =
Green)

Playdough letters- encourage your child to roll out playdough into letters.
Children are very egocentric and they like their name on everything, have them
roll their name.

Remember, its more than just PLAY, its LEARNING THROUGH PLAY.