Small World Play Benefits
6 Big Ways Small World Play Benefits the Early Years
Play is such a crucial aspect of a child's life. Not only is play how children learn and grow, it is fun and adds joy, fondness, and creativity to the lives of children. If you’re interested in learning more about the role of play in the lives of young children, I encourage you to read last week's blog. While there are various types of play, small world play has its own unique space, and we want to celebrate it here!
What is small world play?
Small world play is a style of imaginative play that includes toys, props, and other materials used to act out, imitate, imagine, or recreate stories, experiences, and ideas. In small world play, children use their imagination to create detailed worlds that are familiar to them or entirely based on fiction. They can create their small worlds based on stories they've heard, experiences they've had, or explore aspects of real life that interest them. They can also build their own unique narratives around play. Small world play exists when children use resources that represent an environment on a miniature scale.
Small World Play
1. Fosters a child’s language and communication with self and others
While engaged in small play, children typically use expressive language, communicate plans, and bring their characters to life through conversation, developing and strengthening their speech and language.
2. Supports a young child’s brain growth and development
A child's brain is highly engaged and activated through small world play, which means there are all sorts of connections in the brain and throughout the body taking place. They are developing their ability to communicate, strengthening fine motor abilities, learning to regulate their emotions, and more.
3. Strengthens relationships with friends and family through connection
No question, play can bring people together. Anytime two or more people are doing anything fun together, relationships strengthen. Small world play is unique, as it is a close and intricate style of play. There are decisions, exchanges, and conversations between those involved in small play. If you're playing with your child, you can learn many things about them through small world play! Follow their lead and see where it takes you!
4. Provides an outlet for children, helping to lower stress and anxiety
Small world play is used to act out and make sense of the world. For example, a child may work through a conversation with a friend who hurt their feelings using their dolls. It is often used in counseling and therapy settings for children since it creates a safe and relaxing way to work through emotions.
5. Supports independent and cooperative engagement
Small world play is easy to do anywhere, as it requires less space and can easily travel in a small bag on the go. This style of play engages the independent child who wants to be alone in their imagination. Still, it also saves space for invitations to others to join in.
6. Encourages a child’s creativity and imagination
There are endless possibilities to dream up and include in small world play. Everyday items can become useful materials. For example, a tissue box can be a car, or an old container can transform into a doll’s home. In small world play, a child can get as creative and imaginative as they want, leaving them with lasting memories of connection, wonder, and joy!
Hopefully, we've inspired you to join in on the fun with your little one a time or two. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing ways to incorporate small world play into your everyday lives, so check back in with us soon! If you haven't already, we would love for you to join our Bitsy World community on Instagram. It is a beautiful space where we share fun ideas, resources, and inspirations for your everyday small world play!
Author:
Geneva Walsh, M. Ed.
Family Coach and Early Childhood Educator
