In today’s society it is hard to think that playing by yourself can be anything more than lonely. In reality, this independent play is a powerhouse of early development. Picture your child happily building a block tower alone, deep in thought while coloring, or even creating games of their own with stuffed animals. These are all excellent examples of independent play– and it’s not lonesome, it’s learning!
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we encourage and provide ample opportunity for all kinds of play. Come, schedule a tour and see our classrooms, play areas, and some of that amazing play in action!
What Exactly Is Independent Play?
Independent play happens when a child engages in an activity on their own without constant interaction. This could be playing with cars, playing with playdough, pretending with dolls, exploring nature, and those are only a handful of examples… The key is autonomy—the kiddo is choosing what to play and how to play and subconsciously boosting creativity and confidence the whole time.
Whether your child is in a daycare, at home, or a part of an early childhood education setting, learning to play alone is just as crucial as learning to play with others. Let’s take a look at why independent play is so important and how it helps shape capable, confident kids.
1. Builds Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
When children have the opportunity to play alone, they are not only encouraged to make decisions and solve problems, but also to explore cause-and-effect relationships in a gentler environment (playing with themselves) and at their own pace. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, independent play supports executive function—the brain’s control center for memory, flexibility, and self-control (NIH.gov). Also, the National Association for the Education of Young Children asserts that offering children the chance to make decisions fosters independence and responsibility. (NAEYC.org)
Even amongst a group of other students, we still encourage independent and free play here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center. Schedule a tour and come see how we implement free-play time on a daily basis.
2. Encourages Emotional Regulation
While playing independently, children can have the space to process emotions and navigate imaginary scenarios. While it can sometimes be difficult to watch your child play through heavy situations–such as with death and loss– it is important in helping them learn to process such scenarios. An example of this would be a child playing with toy animals, pretending one has died and must be mourned. All of this helps children build self-regulation, laying a healthy foundation for managing frustration, transitions, and social scenarios as they grow.
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center we are training kids up not just to make them ready for kindergarten, but to prepare them for the world as a whole. Emotional development is essential within their early childhood education, and we try to support and encourage that growth. Schedule a tour and let’s chat about how we encourage the intellectual and emotional development of all of our students.
3. Fosters Creativity and Imagination
Whether they’re pretending a cardboard box is a race car or a rock is a precious jewel from a faraway kingdom, children use independent play to explore new worlds. Early childhood education experts emphasize the role of imaginative play in developing abstract thinking, which not only encourages and blooms imagination, but can be the building blocks for language, literacy, and science later on. (Source)
The dreaded “I’m bored” will invariably come up. Zero to Three is emphatic that “boredom is the bridge to creativity, imagination, and new ways to play.” So, instead of stepping in at the first lull in play, let them have some time to sit with the boredom, work through it, and even entice and encourage them in it–“I wonder what you’ll come up with next” or “I know you’ll discover something fun to play” shows that you trust and are confident in their ability to fill their boredom with fun and creativity.
Imagination runs wild here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center! You can see it on the playground, in our students’ art, play, conversations, stories…so much! Call today to come and see imagination happen before your eyes!
Taking it home…
Looking for ways to encourage independent play for your little one at home? Here are some simple strategies you can implement to help get your child started:
- Make it stimulating Set up play time with open-ended toys like blocks, art supplies, or pretend play items.
- Take a step back Let your child play without jumping in to participate or guide the story
- Build in quiet play time Do yourself a favor, too. Grab a cup of coffee or something quiet for yourself and start a daily quiet playtime. Even if it’s just 10–15 minutes.
- Praise them This will reinforce the value of solo play–encourage both their creativity and independence!
Call us up here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center and let’s chat about how we encourage the individual child independent play here in our classrooms. Come for a tour and see our students and early childhood educators in action!
Independent play isn’t about simply leaving your child to play by themselves—it’s about empowering them to explore, imagine, and grow. It is a gift we can give children, building a foundation for creativity, innovativeness, and a general love of learning.
The next time you see your child deep in their own little world, don’t interrupt—cheer them on from the sidelines. Their brain is busy building something wonderful.
