The Importance of Play
Children need to learn the language of things before they learn the language of words. They are foreigners in a strange land, and they need to learn about the physical world, they need to explore colors, shape, and time, they need to find out about water and the sky and the stars, and they need to learn about human relations. Much of this learning comes from direct experience. David Elkind, The Power of Play
Play is a very important part in a child's life. Ask any expert in childhood development - play is the work of children. Play helps children to experiment with their world and helps them to learn new skills. Play is a child's most natural way to learn. Children create their own learning experiences through play.
- Play develops curiosity and self-determination
- Play builds knowledge of ourselves and social relationships
- Play builds self-esteem, a sense of personal power and problem-solving skills
- Play builds language and communication skills
- Play builds both large and small muscles
At all ages and stages children benefit from playing alone and exploring their own interests. When playing with other children, social skills are learned and practiced. Children should also have opportunities to play with parents, one to one as well as with other adults and children in the home.
Parents at Play
Supporting Children's Play
Richmond has a wealth of play opportunities - drop-in programs, playgrounds, bike trails, water parks, sports teams, nature park and recreation programs.
- Play and Learn Programs (PDF 111KB)
An overview of programs offering free and low-cost play and learning activities.
- Richmond Recreation and Culture Guide
Provides you with easy access to events, drop-in activities, programs and services in Richmond.
- Affordable Recreation in Richmond
A seasonal guide to low cost and free programs in Richmond. This guide contains many options in our community for programs, activities and special events where the activities are free or less than $10. Also available in hard copy at local community centers.
- Richmond Parks and Playgrounds
A searchable parks database which allows you to search for Richmond parks by name, neighbourhood, amenity type or any combination of the above.
Links:
- Bob the Builder
Fun on-line activities for kids with Bob the Builder.
- CBC Kids
Games and activities for children an resources for parents such as printable activity sheets.
- Starfall
Activities to help parents prepare their children for school, and to support them once they are there. Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade.
- National Geographic for Kids
Activities, videos, games, and an educational tool with information on people, places and animals.
- Chirp Magazine
Fun activities, including downloadable colouring pages and activities.
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