The importance of Play
Presently, we are all experiencing many changes in our normal routines and lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus has changed everything including our children’s normal routines and access to their usual play environments. Normally places of education and learning, schools have now been appropriated as places of care and safety for the families of essential front line keyworkers. So, for schools and for our children it isn’t business as usual!
This information sheet has been designed in cooperation with the Department of Education’s Play Matters project, to assist teachers, playworkers, parents and those offering care to children in these challenging times, to consider how they might provide quality play opportunities and experiences.
Regardless of the back drop it is important to remember that children still want and need to play. Play and playing continues to be an essential aspect of children’s lives. According to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (2013) opportunities for play have a significant role in helping children recover a sense of normality and joy after their experience of loss, dislocation and trauma.
Remember, play and playing provides valuable coping and learning opportunities for children. As children work through their emotions and feelings at this difficult time, play will help them deal with uncertainty, help them relax and importantly allow them to have fun.
