Burdette and Whittaker contend that play based problem
solving “may promote executive functioning --- a higher-level skill that
integrates attention and other cognitive functions such as planning organizing,
sequencing and decision-making.” Working out the logistics of unstructured play
also encourages children to develop social skills as they learn to
compromise and cooperate with each other. This social learning
contributes to the development of empathy, flexibility, self-awareness and
self-regulation. Finally, Burdette and Whittaker argue that free play can
improve emotional well-being in young children by minimizing anxiety,
depression, aggression and sleep problems.
How does this play out in daily
life, you ask? It means that unschooling families place as much value on
park days and outdoor play as they do on any academic learning. It means
that we encourage not just our young kids but also our 12 – 18 year olds to go
outside and play. Get in the creek, climb trees, go for a hike, a run or
a swim. We encourage them to get out in nature, open their senses and use
their bodies.
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