Play activates the front part of the brain called the neocortex. This is the part of the brain where we balance emotions, make decisions and decipher problems. The more developed this area of the brain is, the better we are at navigating complex social scenarios.

Child led play alters the brains neurological connections. These neurons are responsible for important developmental skills and without child led playful experiences, prefrontal brain development does not happen. Child led play encourages children to use their imaginations, dexterity, physical, cognitive and emotional skills.velopment

Children have an innate curiosity and drive to play. Child led play highlights a child’s creativity and imagination, developing their divergent thinking skills- also know as “thinking outside of the box”.

A studied conducted by NASA in 1968, found that 98% of children were considered creative geniuses by NASA standards. As they grew older, that number dropped off rapidly; at age 10, it fell to 30 %, by age 15 it dropped to 12%, and by adulthood it was just 2%. Children often think outside the box, but as we get older we become afraid of expressing them out of fear of being wrong.

Play experiences allow children to develop the skills to rebound from adversity and to keep going. Building resilience is a key skill for adulthood. As children play independently they learn how negotiate for themselves, resolve issues, and share with others. They develop the ability to make mistakes and more importantly how to recover from them.

Play has a direct impact on a childs physical and mental health. Whilst playing, children are moving and activating their working bodies. They are developing muscle control and strength.

Emotional skills are developed through play. Children learn how to regulate their emotions, form relationships, build confidence and lessen fears through independent self directed play.