What is the importance of play?

Children achieve optimal learning through PLAY and therefore they should be exposed to a variety of different opportunities in different environments to maximise the learning that takes place. Play is fun and intrinsically motivating for children and thus the best means of teaching. It also allows them to explore, use their planning skills and problem solve. Thus, they will gain more from activities that are playful than from doing worksheets sitting at the desk.

e.g. cutting out a worksheet will only improve their cutting skill whereas cutting out a design drawn on play-dough will improve their cutting skills and strength in their hand and is MUCH more fun! OR copying basic shapes on a worksheet will only improve their copying skills whereas copying a lego design while lying on their tummies will improve their copying skills, finger strength and strength in their back and neck muscles.