Does a Play-Based Preschool Curriculum Help Children's Mental and Physical Health

1. Does a Play Does a Play- -Based Preschool Curriculum Based Preschool Curriculum Help Children's Mental and Physical Health? Help Children's Mental and Physical Health? In today’s world, some children lead an unhealthy life. A WHO study found that 80% of adolescents worldwide aren’t active enough, with 85% of girls and 78% of boys failing to meet the daily one-hour exercise goal. The study, involving 1.6 million students from 146 countries, revealed South Korea had the highest inactivity rate at 94.2%. The U.S. fared slightly better but still had a concerning 70% inactivity rate. Researchers stress the urgency of addressing this global issue. Parents’ overprotectiveness stems from genuine concern; it can hinder your children’s natural development.

2. Research highlights the profound impact of early childhood education in shaping a Child’s personality, Cognitive skills, And Social behavior Among various approaches, play-based preschool curriculums have gained significant recognition for their ability to foster both mental and physical well-being. So, keep reading this blog; you will learn all about it in depth! How Significant is a Play-Based Preschool Curriculum for Your Kids? Play-based preschool curriculum learning is a pedagogical approach that emphasizes learning through play rather than traditional rote memorization. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “play is significant for your child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. It allows your children to explore, experiment, and understand their environment in a way that nurtures curiosity and creativity.” Your children’s increasing dependence on electronic devices and lack of outdoor activities have raised concerns about rising rates of childhood obesity, anxiety, and behavioral issues. In fact, Statista suggests, as of 2023, “Over 68% of parents in the United States reported that their children spend more than two hours a day on digital devices. This statistic is alarming, as excessive screen time has been linked to developmental delays and reduced physical activity.” Thus, introducing play-based preschool curriculums can counter these challenges by promoting an active and engaging environment for your children. Benefits of a Play-Based Preschool Curriculum 1. Enhancing Physical Health Physical activity is a fundamental component of play-based learning. Activities such as 1.Running 2.Jumping 3.Climbing 4.Group games It will improve motor skills, strengthen muscles, and boost the cardiovascular health of your children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Physical activity supports bone health, muscle development, and cognitive growth in children and adolescents, yet 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents remain inactive.

3. If inactivity persists, it could cost global healthcare systems around $300 billion by 2030, with targets set to reduce it by 10% by 2025 and 15% by 2030.” A play-based curriculum encourages your children to meet these recommendations by incorporating movement into their daily routines. 2. Fostering Mental Well-being Play is a natural stress reliever for your children. It allows them to express emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience. The collaborative nature of play also helps your children learn empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. According to MDPI, “This study explores how early play experiences help children develop resilience in later years. It examines how parents and teachers perceive the role kindergarten plays in coping with adversity. The research focuses on children's everyday resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the long-term impact of play on self-regulation and adaptability.” 3. Improving Social Skills Play-based learning encourages interaction with peers, teachers, and the environment. Through group activities, your children develop communication skills, learn to share, and understand the importance of teamwork. These social interactions lay the groundwork for building strong relationships later in life. For example, if your child is involved in role-playing games in preschool settings, allow children to practice real-life scenarios, boosting their confidence and social awareness. 4. Cognitive Development Early education through play enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and critical thinking. Open-ended activities, such as building blocks or storytelling, stimulate creativity and imagination. Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) “shows that your children engaged in play-based learning outperform their peers in problem- solving and language development.” 5. Addressing Parental Concerns Play-based preschool curriculums integrate foundational literacy and numeracy skills into engaging activities, making learning enjoyable and effective. For instance, counting objects during play or identifying shapes and colors in the environment introduces mathematical concepts in a practical context, and the holistic development fostered by play-based learning prepares children for future academic and personal success.

4. According to a report by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, early childhood programs that emphasize play result in better long-term outcomes, including higher graduation rates and improved mental health. 6. Global Examples of Play-Based Education Countries like Finland and New Zealand have successfully implemented play-based preschool curriculums, prioritizing children’s mental and physical well-being over rigid academic structures. In Finland, children do not start formal schooling until the age of seven, allowing them ample time to develop through play. This approach has consistently placed Finland among the top-performing countries in global education rankings. 7. Call to Action: Embracing Play-Based Learning The need for play-based preschool curriculums cannot be overstated. It should be prioritizing play in early education, We can address the challenges posed by 1. Sedentary lifestyles 2. Screen dependency 3. Social isolation. Parents, educators, and policymakers must collaborate to create environments that nurture children’s natural curiosity and creativity. Resources like UNICEF provide guidelines and toolkits for promoting physical and mental health through play. You can explore community programs and outdoor activities to supplement your child’s development. Conclusion As previously stated, you can enable the next generation to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives by embracing play-based learning. Invest in early education that prioritizes the holistic development of children, ensuring a brighter future for all. Therefore, L Academy separated the program into three types if you want to work with an amazing team developing a play-based preschool curriculum for the kids: 1.Infant program (for child development) 2.Toddler program ( Social and emotional whole child development) 3.Preschool program ( social and emotional whole child development) If you want to learn more about it, visit their website today!

5. Contact Us Website : https://www.lacademyschools.com/ Email : info@lacademy.co Phone : +1 4159809855 Address : 49 Page Street, San Francisco, CA, United States Content Courtesy https://sites.google.com/view/james-howlett/home

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