Psychology

When one thinks of a child, one may instantly think of the idea of play as with when one thinks of an adult, one would logically think of work. During early childhood, the skills and development that has happened during the first three years of life makes great advances. The changes that happen are more of refinement of the basic skills. Simple as play may seem, it actually contributes much to a childs physical health and development.

During early childhood, there are great advances in both motor gross motor and fine motors skills). Gross motor skills are activities that make use of large muscle groups such as those involved in running or jumping. Sensorimotor areas in the brain develop and permit better coordination between what children would like to be able to do and what they are actually able to do. During this stage, bones and muscles are stronger and lung capacity grows, making room for a child to be able to do more physical activity (Papalia, Olds  Feldman, 2004, p.232-233). Activities that develop large muscle groups usually require little to no equipment much like tag, kickball, playing on the playground and hopscotch (Rees).  Fine motor skills on the other hand involve small muscle groups like those in the eyes and hands (Papalia, Olds  Feldman, 2004, p.233). Activities that develop the smaller muscle groups usually take form in arts and crafts, and improve dexterity (Rees). Advances in fine motor skills let young children take more responsibility for self-care.

With most, if not all development for early childhood, learning and practice opportunities come in the form of play. However, not all development is equal among children. Children differ in skills not only in terms of how gifted they are with their genes but also with how many opportunities they are given to learn and practice motor skills. Children must be given due opportunities to play because it caters to their senses, muscles and learning. Without play, a childs development would be greatly compromised.