Üsküdar University Child Development Lecturer. See. Elif İpek Tutuş made a statement on the subject, stating that play is an activity that may or may not be for a specific purpose, performed with or without rules, in which the child takes an enjoyable and active role, and supports all developmental areas of the child.
Stating that play is a part of a child's life, Üsküdar University Child Development Lecturer. See. Elif İpek Tutuş said, “It has an important place in the child's life to support their development, socialize, practice their daily life skills and, above all, have a pleasant time. The child's games and toys may vary depending on the child's age, developmental characteristics and developmental areas. Play supports the child's development, strengthens his sense of empathy and creativity; "It allows him to take responsibility, express himself and helps him practice life." he said.
"Toys should be appropriate to the age of children"
Tutuş emphasized the importance of choosing toys appropriate to the age of children and said, "It is recommended not to choose toys that are small, non-soft or electric, which may choke children in the early childhood period." "It is also very important to choose solid and durable toys and to pay attention to whether the chosen toy is suitable for the child's age and functional." said.
"Games contribute to the child's muscle and bone development"
Tutuş aims to support the child's gross motor, fine motor, language, social and cognitive development during preschool and school periods; He stated that it is necessary to choose toys and activities that help them prepare for school and life in the future and said:
“Preschool children's imaginations are quite developed. During this period, it is essential to choose games and toys that support this skill. In this regard, materials where they can play symbolic games, practice life and take an active role should be preferred. Miniature house toys can be given as examples of these materials. Additionally, puzzles, simple board games, memory cards for cognitive development; Blocks, legos, bead stringing sets and wooden toys can be given as examples for motor development. "Active games can contribute to the child's muscle and bone development and accelerate blood circulation."
“Pots and wooden spoons are also toys”
Explaining that games also support children's emotional development by allowing them to express their feelings, Tutuş continued as follows:
“It is seen that the child's social development is also supported by taking turns, protecting his rights, helping each other and cooperating in the games he plays with the community. Plush toys, picture books and musical instruments are also basic play materials that support the development of preschool and school children. In fact, not only these, but also the wooden spoons, pots, old clothes, objects from nature, waste materials, water, sand... All of these can become play materials on their own and various games and activities can be set up with them.”
"Play is very important during school years too"
Stating that play is very important not only in preschool but also in primary and secondary school periods, Tutuş said, “Especially educational games, box games that develop intelligence, and community activities that children play in cooperation with their peers are also at the forefront in this period. "Especially in play activities carried out in a peer group, the child learns the rules of etiquette, understands how to exist in society and protect his rights, helps each other, and discovers feelings such as patience and empathy." said.
"The constant 'study' discourse is not true!"
Stating that play is the child's job, Tutuş continued as follows:
“It is not right for a child to only play in early childhood and be told to study constantly during school years. Of course, the child's responsibilities should be emphasized during the school period, but the right to play should not be taken away. Games should be played regularly with school children, but it should be ensured that the games chosen are appropriate to their age and developmental characteristics, and the child should be encouraged and supported in this direction.”
“The game also teaches tolerance and cooperation.”
Tutuş emphasized that with cognitive development games, the child's academic success will increase and that the child will learn skills related to tolerance, cooperation and how to behave in society, which will develop socially with the activities carried out with the community, and concluded his words as follows:
“In this regard, activities such as riddles, box games, walks in nature, discoveries or making activities from waste materials are recommended for families on weekends. During school time, ensuring that children play actively with their friends during breaks; "It will not only increase concentration in class by helping students rest between classes, but will also contribute to strengthening their peer relationships with their friends."
