Many parents wonder whether young children should focus on their studies or to spend time in leisure activities. Some people argue that school nowadays should continue to focus on formal learning compared to play instead. Whilst I partially agree with this statement, it is no doubt that play also has its benefits for the overall development of a child.
To start of, the provision of formal learning in classrooms will never be indispensible, as it equips children with knowledge to enhance their critical and problem solving skills. For instance, schools must teach students how to improve both their literacy and numerical abilities, to prevent them from struggling in future situations that results them to be left behind. This ensures that kids receive the basic foundation for growing up in order to achieve academic success.
On the other hand, play is just as important since it assists in activating their creative side and reduce overall cortisol levels that leads to stress and depression. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the development of emotional, mental, and social mindset of a child that shapes their character over time. To put it into perspective, studies have shown that introducing play, such as extracurricular activities or educational games can teach children how to possess certain qualities of communication and teamwork, which can not be learnt from formal learning. In fact, it can increase motivation and productive levels when back in class promoting eagerness to learn something new.
In conclusion, both formal learning and play are crucial for a child’s learning foundation that can provide them with the necessary pieces of knowledge and experience to carry on with them as they grow up in the future. Without the involvement of either one of these, it may minimize the number of opportunities that the child can receive as they choose their career path.