I like to move it move it..i like to play it play it! =)

Lol. It seems like we can never stop moving, whether we are listening to the music or walking about, we'll just shake our heads or legs while doing our things, adjusting our positions while listening to the lecture, and some of us even love talking to friends!

Likewise, Children are like us too! =) they love playing around with their toys, catching about with their playmates, moving up and down in the house....They just CAN'T STOP but to play and move about as if they are like some sort of moving machines that won't stop until you tell them to!

Sometimes it really drives parents or teachers up to the wall and somehow they just wish that they could "turn off the little machine"~HOW DO WE GET THE CHILDREN TO BE STILL??

So one day, something just striked me up at class as l had a great idea in mind after hearing a sharing from the lecturer. She said : "Why not make use of children's energy and observe the positive results out from it?" I'm sure parents would not want their child's energy to go wasted when they can't stop playing all day long: running about, jumping all around and end up not learning anything valueble.

And because of this......

It seemed to be rather difficult for parents and teachers to provide the appropriate experiences for the children as they do not fully understand the meaning of play.

Hence, it somehow stopped them from planning suitable play activities for the children that are meaningful whereby children can enjoy and learn at the same time.

Apart from that, it is also observed that a lot of parents nowadays still fail to understand the importance of early childhood's stages and development as most of the time they prefer their children to concentrate more on worksheets ( the more worksheet the better it is for my chidl!) rather than a play based learning to prepare them for their next level of education.

(Below: a conversation between two parents.)

Parent A: " Hey~ Miss Chen, how's your child doing in the XXX kindergarten so far?"(play-based kindergarten)

Parent B:" Oh dear, it is a terrible kindergarten!"

Parent A : " Why do you say so...?"

Parent B: " I don't even understand what are the teachers doing there! they would just allow my child to play...play...play...and play...! they never gave my child any homework to do so far!

Parent A : I see.. but if i'm not mistaken, your child is only three years old. Am i right?"

Parent B : "Yes....that is why i sent her to that school, wanting her to be smart... But unfortunately, the school seems to be not doing anything but just letting the children play! i can let my child play at home, so what's the point of bringing my child to the school and spend my money for my child when all she does is just playing all day long?"

It was really sad to hear that conversation when i was standing beside them while waiting for my dad to pick me up. I believed that, the early childhood stages are the best time to help children develop physically,intellectually, emotionally and socially as well as picking up language skills. As an adult, it is our responsibility to help them grow holistically.

Since this particular parent don't allow her child to play in school and even said, "I can let my child to play at home! " Based on this statement she made, i hope she will let her child to play at home...and Not must not be just any play, but a meaningful experience of play!"

Parents can help their children to develop and refine their motor skills even though they are at home.

Get the children interested in sports by playing football, badminton or any other fun activities that can be also done at home.



Spend quality time with the child and guide him how to write - making simple markings, drawing simple things and painting meaningful drawings. Guide him the right way of holding his pencil, crayon or brush.



Create activities or provide some play materials that will lead the child to problem solving as well as providing opportunities to be creative and making decisions.

We are all aware how important language are in our lives. So parents should help their child develop in this area by reading stories, rhymes and poems to him as well as singing along with him. It is interactive, enjoyable and the child would love talking to you while doing these activities.

Remember to help your child feel important and needed in all ways. Allow and guide your child to discover his abilities and skills through the activities that you have prepared for him. Encourage them further even when they do not achieve much as this will help them to gain their self esteem.

Besides of having fun, children are also learning at the same time, this planned activities help children make good use of their time and energy. Apart from, that, it also helps them to be more independent and knowledgeable.

Always allow young children by keeping in mind that we too should provide opportunities for them to explore the environment by themselves.


This is what i would like to say, " It is your child's nature to run about , to play around, but it is OUR responsibilities to guide and nurture them. So, it's time to let your child play to at home, with your help and guidance." ^_^




WISH to know more about creating an appropriate learning environment at home?
Just click here :) http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=332