For children, play is work as well as pleasure. Researchers have clearly established that play is essential to intellectual development. Toys are the tools for learning.
Play is also a physical necessity through which development takes place. When a baby shakes a rattle, stacks blocks, throws a ball, or chews on a teething toy, the activity is not just for amusement. These are serious absorbing tasks through whiche babies strengthen their muscles, refine their motor skills, and learn about the world.
(excerpt from the Developing Child - Glencoe McGraw Hill)
How much should a baby be encouraged to play independently? How much involvement should siblings, parents, or other caregivers have? Does this change as a baby ages?
Describe the way that you played when you were little (starting from when you were a baby to when you feel you quit playing).
What is one of the first toys you ever remember playing with? When did you start playing with it? How did you play with it? Looking back, did this toy help develop your emotional, social, physical, or intellectual skills? How so?
