What is Play
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Definition
Benefits of Play
Physical Benefits
Emotional Benefits
Mental Benefits
Social Benefits
Activity
Benefits of Play
for Children with and without Disabilities
- It is through play that children grow and develop - individually, with others, and as part of a larger community.
- It builds self-esteem and self-worth.
- Collateral skills learned during play contribute to success in other settings, like school and work.
- Increases in leisure skills helps to reduce or eliminate negative, excess, and 'high-risk' behaviors.
- It helps children meet other kids in the neighborhood and at school and to develop relationships and friendships.
- It strengthens families.
- Recreation is the spirit of life. It revitalizes, energizes, stimulates, and relaxes us.
- Play improves one's quality of life!
(Source: Burkhour & Ray, 1998; Schleien, et al., 1995)
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