While planning their day, remember PLAY

[Ali in OR]

One of the great benefits of home schooling is that much of the day is freed up for the important pursuit of play. Our piano teacher directed us to an NPR broadcast this morning on this topic. I found it on-line and enjoyed listening to it. I've always thought that plenty of free time for my kids to play is important, but this piece actually explains why! The piece explains that kids learn self-regulation through imaginative play, and that this ability to self regulate is more important than IQ in school success. I'll try to link it, but if I fail, I googled NPR, clicked on morning edition, and there it was.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

[Mama Lynx]

How could I forget? Every time my back is turned, they've run off to battle Rebel Scum (yes, they like to play the Empire).

If play will make them more successful in school, we've got it made. That also explains a great deal, when you look at the number of hours kids spend in institutional schools, the reduced recess, the guided/structured playground play, etc.

[GreenKitty]

Yep, they play. :D

[Hilary in MI]

This was a fascinating news story. It's nice to have scientific validation for the importance of play, something that seems obvious but that too many schools are cutting.

Another good reason to homeschool.

[Alana in Canada]

Thanks for this.

I'm coming closer and closer to the conclusion that we really cannot allow TV during the week. And I have always been uncomfortable with "tie-in" toys like Bionicles and Super hero figures and so on.

Unfortunately, no one else in the family "gets" it.

[jellybean]

YES! Great thread!

[Closeacademy]

That's why we do short intense lesson a la Charlotte Mason. Then they have plenty of time to play.

[Lori C, Texas]

What a great article! I forwarded it on to all my family. I really wanted to tell my family "I told you so!":D but I didn't!:) Thanks for sharing.

[Shelly in MD]

Great article! The information was presented a bit differently than I have heard it before. Now, if I can just convince *myself* that play time has value for my over-preschool-aged-children, I'm in great shape!

Seriously, thanks for the link; very worthwhile listening.

[Laura Corin]

Interesting article. That free-wheeling gang-based play is what my boys have in our apartment complex courtyard here with their local friends. They disappear for hours - sometimes they'll be playing based on Chinese myth, sometimes it will be completely made up.

Laura