The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
June Issue 104
All Rights Reserved
www.thenewsyneighbour.com
We know that lots of our kids
are getting too much screen time, whether that is TV, computer or tablet time.
Research is telling us that kids from birth to two years of age should have no
screen time and children three to five years of age should only have one hour
of screen time per day. Something else we probably know is that kids love to
play and it is good for them. Play can take the form of structured or
unstructured activities. Structured and unstructured activities each play an
important part in a child’s overall development. Both types of play can take
place inside and outside and can involve the child playing independently or
with peers.
Structured Play:
Generally has a set of rules and each person has a specific role. Some examples
of structured play include:
- Hide and Seek
- Tag
- Board games
- Red Light Green Light
- Various organized and
unorganized sports
Structured Play helps kids
learn how to follow rules, play cooperatively with peers, learn turn taking
skills, get physically active, learn sportsmanship, teamwork and develop social
skills.
Unstructured Play: Generally does not have rules and relies on the child’s imagination.
Some examples include:
- Dress up
- Playing with toys (i.e.
cars, dolls, Play-Doh, etc.)
- Puppets
- Wooden blocks
- Painting, colouring on
blank pieces of paper
Unstructured Play helps
develop a child’s imagination, decision making skills, socialization, problem
solving and gets them to explore their environment.
Having trouble finding a
balance of structured and unstructured play? Check out this CBC article for
more information about the types of play, and on how to find a balance of the
two: http://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/free-play-in-a-structured-world-how-to-balance-structured-and-unstructured
In the County of Wheatland,
we are fortunate to have access to both Parent Link and 5 For Life coalition,
who offer both structured and unstructured play opportunities. To find out more
information please go to www.5forlifeforever.com.
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