How To Include More Play in Your Day!
In this blog post, Jessica B. and Monique L., Wolf’s Art and Music teacher respectively, share their thoughts about the power of play and what you can do as a parent of a Complex Learner to include more play in your day.

The worlds of traditional education and childhood play are held at opposite ends of the spectrum in the minds and practices of many. There is a distinct and often hard line drawn between these two seemingly different activities and experiences that separate the environments altogether. The emphasis on academic success and achieving high scores has pushed the focus of childhood from living and exploring into one of stress, measuring oneself against others, and performing to rigid standards set by adults. However, research over the past few decades has shown that for students to become educated and well-rounded, their education must include elements thought to be the most distracting – creativity and play.
Why Play?
As a parent, initially, you might think that play is just for fun. But it’s actually so much more. As your child plays, so much is happening for their betterment.
Joyful play leads to discovery, which triggers the brain to release dopamine.
Meaningful play occurs when new experiences are linked with familiar ones and a child’s sense of the world is expanded.
Active engagement play occurs as a child takes charge and makes decisions.
Iterative play leads to flexible and innovative thinking as a child adapts to the repetition.
Socially interactive play carries a lot of weight, as it is crucial for building empathy, forging healthy relationships, and preparing the brain to deal with challenges that will be present for the rest of their lives.
All of these characteristics of playful learning help different regions of the brain to develop in tandem and contribute to a student’s motivation, sense of purpose, attention, and mental flexibility.
Bringing Play Time Home
Now that you understand the power of play, you might be wondering how you can help facilitate play at home. There are so many types of play and options for creative expression that including even small elements into the day can have a noticeable impact, for both children and adults alike. Take a look below for some ideas for playful learning at home.
1. Pick a transition song for cleaning up or hygiene tasks or challenge your child to create their own song!
2. Waiting for a doctor’s appointment? The waiting room is a great space to take part in a scribble or mirror game.
3. Have your child draw a menu showcasing dinner options for the week.
4. Use window markers to create artwork at home or in the car.
5. Schedule a family game night. Keep in mind that games with rules and life skills have even more added bonuses!
6. Take part in acting out/role-playing scenarios. Don’t be afraid to get silly!
7. Get outside! Explore playgrounds, hikes, nature trails, and scavenger hunts. As you are outside, have your child take part in an explorer game.
8. Have fun on the road – iSpy, name that tune, and “get to know you” questions are all safe games to play while on the road.
Playing = Learning
Creativity and play help to integrate concepts, knowledge, and experiences in a child’s brain. Embracing opportunities to incorporate play allows for a wide range of dynamic growth for your child. Neuroscientist, Dr. Tara Swart, highlights the elements of brain agility in her book, “The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain”, such as mastering our emotions, understanding the brain-body connection, trusting our intuition, making decisions for social good, staying motivated to reach our goals, and creating personal agency.
Creativity allows us to remix existing ideas and imagine new combinations. Fostering confidence in one’s ability to be creative allows for the stamina it takes to value our own ideas and interpretations. While playing in a relaxed environment, children are more likely to take risks, test scenarios out, and develop the skills they’ll use going forward.
Learn more about Learning Through Play and comment below with how you incorporate play in your home!
When you help your Complex Learner uncover their own love of reading, you’re unlocking a whole new world for them to explore! Want to get notified when there’s a new World of Complex Learners blog post?