Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Play as an Indicator of a Child’s Well-being

In this activity, you will:

 Discuss the psychological and developmental importance of playing in children

Facilitator’s notes:

Play is an important part of a child’s development. By playing, children learn the social, mental and

creative skills that equip them to deal with life. In play, children use and develop their communication,

relationship, negotiation and problem-solving skills with their peers. Play is thus a good indicator of

a child’s well-being.

Activity 2

Why children play:

 Play is one of the most effective ways in which children communicate, especially

young children. Caregivers and counsellors can therefore utilise play activities to

gauge how a child is coping. Supervised play can also be used to help children

come to terms with and overcome difficult circumstances.

 Play is a way in which children practise social skills; and develop skills in

communicating, relating with others, negotiating and problem-solving.

 Games such as solving puzzles, building things and drawing help to stimulate a child’s

mental, nervous and muscular systems; and aid the development of co-ordination.

Though not consciously aware of it, children engage in play for various reasons:

 To explore their environment

 For fun and recreation

 To learn from peers and their surroundings

 To develop personalities

 To build and maintain relationships

 To express their feelings

 To develop competencies and skills.

When children do not play:

Children may be reluctant to play for many reasons. If they do not take part in games and

play activities, it should be of concern to the counsellor or home visitor and may need to

be monitored. Some reasons for a child not taking part in play are:

 They are tired

 They are sick

 They are hungry

 They do not understand the language other children are using

 They are sad and depressed

 They are afraid of being bullied

 They are insecure and have low self-esteem

 They feel isolated and not part of a group.

(^198) Unit 2, Module 2 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children