Role of Play in Children’s

Health & Development

April 29, 2021

PREETI BAJPAI
CRR No: A64339
State Mental Health Consultant
State Health Society Bihar
What is Play?
 Play is critical to healthy growth and development of children.
 Play is not just a specific behavior, but any activity undertaken with a playful
frame of find.
 Play is a primary way through which children learn. It is one of the ways
children learn about themselves, their relationships and world around them.
 It is also an important part of education because they are learning while they
are playing.
Benefits of Play in Development

PHYSICAL

SOCIAL INTELLECTUAL

PLAY

EMOTIONAL COGNITIVE
PHYSICAL
• Increases range of motion, coordination,
balance, flexibility, fine & gross motor skills.
• Includes running, climbing, bicycle riding etc.

INTELLECTUAL
• Differences between shapes, size, colour,
texture, numbers and name of the objects.
• Problem solving activities.

COGNITIVE
• Enhances memory skills and attention span.
• Enhances ability to think, remember, decision
making.
EMOTIONAL
• Play reduces fear, anxiety,
stress.
• Creates joy and boosts self-
esteem.

SOCIAL
• Creates options and choices.
• Increases empathy, attachment
and sharing.
 UNOCCUPIED BEHAVIOUR

SOLITARY/INDEPENDENT PLAY

ONLOOKER PLAY

PARALLEL PLAY

ASSOCIATIVE PLAY

COOPERATIVE PLAY

PRETEND/DRAMATIC PLAY

CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY
UNOCCUPIED PLAY SOLITARY PLAY
ONLOOKER PLAY PARALLEL PLAY
ASSOCIATIVE PLAY COOPERATIVE PLAY
DRAMATIC PLAY CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY
Precautions for Children’s Play
 Keep children away from kitchen stoves, heaters, boilers, inflammable
material or potential fire areas to avoid fire accidents.
 Do not allow children to play in stuffy or dingy places as there is a danger of
suffocation.
 Keep children away from buckets/water pool to avoid drowning.
 Prevent children from playing in areas near to open drains/wells/roof tops to
avoid injuries.
Play and Quality of Life
 One undeniable feature of play is fun. Play has the potential to improve
many aspects of emotional well-being such as reducing anxiety, depression,
aggression and sleep problems.
 How children’s play reveals their interest, abilities desires and fears. That is
why play has been used as a routine part of assessment, training and
therapy with children.
THANK
YOU