Play is crucial to building connections in the brain that support all types of development. Through research, we know that our brains are built and shaped by the experiences we have, our environments and our interactions with others.
Much of this brain development happens during childhood, especially the first few years of life. Through play, children are able to practice and build fine and gross motor skills, develop their language, problem-solving skills, emotional management, and creativity. The play also gives children the opportunity to build relationships with parents, caregivers and other children.
At Child Crisis Arizona we offer a no-cost, weekly playgroup on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in Mesa, soon to be expanding to our Phoenix location. This drop-in playgroup offers parents and caregivers the opportunity for their children, ages 1-5, to participate in a variety of creative learning experiences. Families have free reign over the childcare area, as well as an outside playground while being exposed to different types of play and activities, such as puzzles and books, board games, puppet shows, music instruments, building blocks, and crafts. Parents are strongly encouraged to interact with their children as playgroup is intended to be a hands-on experience for all family members. These activities support development in five critical areas physical, social and emotional, cognitive, language and sensory.
“I love that my son, Jason, is able to engage with other children his age in a fun, safe learning environment and explore his creativity through music and art,” says Karen, a mother who regularly attend playgroup. “After only a short time of attending playgroup, my son’s vocabulary and overall knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate activities have increased greatly.”
In addition to providing an outlet for play, our playgroup encourages parents to connect with other families who have children of similar ages. Building social connections is one of the six Protective Factors that help keep families strong. Since children learn through play, it is essential that parents allow playing opportunities for their children daily. Whether it is social play, physical play, like running and jumping, or fantasy play, where children can practice their creative thinking, keeping children active and engaged will help them learn and practice social cues and express their emotions in healthy ways.
Child Crisis Arizona playgroups are free and no registration is required to attend. Simply show up at 817 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201 on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to enjoy the amazing benefits of play.
