Play is vital for children, it is how they make sense of the world around them and their own internal world. It helps shape all aspects of their learning and development.
Play is a child’s natural way of communication. Using play, in a therapeutic environment with an experienced play therapist who can help support, regulate and keep them safe, enables children to use their play to make sense of their experiences.
Research has shown that play and the use of metaphor allows a child’s brain to develop new neural pathways and strengthen links in their brain. Play can actually positively change a child’s brain structure, especially if the child has experienced early trauma or numerous adverse childhood experiences (ACES).
Play-based learning is also quicker than other ways of learning and requires fewer repetitions to establish a skill.