EARLY

CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION
AND CARE TIP SHEET FOR PARENTS

Why play is important

Play is one of the most important things you can do Structured play
with your child because it helps them to learn about This kind of play happens at a fixed time and in a set space,
themselves and the world around them. Play helps and is often led by a grown-up. Swimming lessons and dance,
children understand where they fit in. music and drama classes are examples of structured play.
So are storytelling groups, family board or card games, and
There are many reasons to spend time playing with organised sports.
your child. Play brings you and your child closer
together, making them feel loved, happy and Creative play
safe. Remember to give them time to play alone, Creative play lets children engage in problem solving with no
particularly as they get older. set or right answers. It nurtures imagination, thinking and motor
skills. Examples of creative play include experimenting with
Play builds confidence. It develops essential music and sounds, or colours and shapes to express feelings or
physical, social, language and communication skills. tell a story.

How much play is enough?

Types of play 3 hrs
Children get the most out of play when the activity and type of
2 hrs
play suits their level of development and their interests. Give
children time to play indoors and outdoors.
1 hr

Unstructured, free play 0

This is the best type of play for young children. It just 0–1 years 1–5 years 5–18 years
happens. It isn’t planned. It lets children use their • 0–1 years should have some physical activity, such as floor
imagination and move at their own pace. Young children play, each day
may play with their fingers and toes. Older children may like
• 1–5 years should be physically active for at least three hours
exploring a new playground, their favourite play space or
each day, with activity spread across the day
perhaps even your saucepan drawer. Dressing up, building
cubby houses, art and music are examples of unstructured, • 5–18 years should do at least one hour of moderate to
free play. vigorous physical activity each day
How to play Playing with school-age children
As children grow, the way they play changes. Babies might be You’re still an important playmate but school-age children put a
happy with peek-a-boo but older children will be more creative great deal of energy into developing relationships with others.
This will continue as they mature. You will eventually become
and experiment more. This means they will need more space
the person they turn to for support.
to play.

Playing with babies School-age children play ideas

You are the person your baby will want to play with the most. • School-age children’s imagination becomes one of their
Guide and reassure them through new experiences. They will greatest assets as they play, for example:
squeeze, roll, tap and put everything into their mouths – an − furniture, linen, washing baskets, tents and boxes can
important way of learning about the world through play. be used for building
− homemade obstacle courses get them moving in
different ways, directions and at different speeds.
Baby play ideas
• Consider getting your school-age child involved in
• Tummy time helps your baby to develop movement control
organised sports or team activities, or holiday art and craft.
by strengthening head, neck and body muscles.
• Music, songs, bells or containers filled with different If your child doesn’t want to play
objects can help develop babies’ hearing and movement. There might be times when your child is tired or bored with the
• Objects of different sizes, colours and shapes can same activity and doesn’t want to play. This is normal. However,
encourage reaching and grasping. if you notice a general lack of interest in play, consider talking to
• Sturdy furniture, balls, toys or boxes can get babies your family doctor.
crawling, standing and walking.

Playing with toddlers A final word on play

Toddlers will want to spend more time playing with other You don’t need to spend lots of money on toys. Many everyday
children. From about 14 months of age, toddlers may start to items can be used as toys. Get creative. Food packages,
cardboard boxes, old clothes, old pots and pans, leaves,
play side-by-side with other children. By about the age of three,
feathers and fabric are great for play. Don’t forget there are
they will start to play with, rather than beside, playmates.
shadows to chase and trees to climb too.
Toddlers will still want to play with you too. You will remain one
of their favourite playmates throughout most of their childhood.
More information
Toddler play ideas The Queensland Government provides families with
• Big and light objects, such as cardboard boxes, buckets up-to-date information about approved early childhood
education and care services in their local area, and has
and blow-up balls can help toddlers to develop running,
parent tip sheets on a range of topics.
building, pushing and dragging movements.
• Chalk, rope, music or containers encourage jumping, To access the latest information or to find an early
kicking, stamping, stepping and running. childhood education and care service call 13 QGOV*
• Hoops, boxes, large rocks or pillows can be used for (13 74 68) or visit www.earlychildhood.qld.gov.au.
climbing, balancing, twisting, swaying and rolling. For service ratings visit the MyChild website at
• Hills, tunnels or nooks encourage crawling and exploring. www.mychild.gov.au or the Australian Children’s Education
and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website at
Toddlers also enjoy sand, garden and water play, clay and
www.acecqa.gov.au.
playdough, finger-painting, pasting and sticking, puppets,
threading, sorting puzzles, cooking, make-believe, dress-ups, Other languages
throwing and catching, guessing games, and riding a tricycle, If you need an interpreter, phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
scooter or bike. Assistance making a call
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment:
Playing with kindy-age children • TTY users phone 133 677*, then ask for 13 74 68*.
Children of this age want to play with their friends as much • Speak-and-listen users should phone 1300 555 727*,
as they want to play with you. Play helps them to learn about then ask for 13 74 68*
getting along with their peers and getting to know themselves. • Internet relay users should connect to the National
Relay Service at www.iprelay.com.au/call/index.aspx
Kindy-age children play ideas then ask for 13 74 68*.
• Old milk containers, wooden spoons, empty pot plant Acknowledgement
containers, sticks, scrunched-up paper, plastic buckets, The information in this publication was sourced from the
saucepans and old clothes can be used for imaginative Raising Children Network at www.raisingchildren.net.au
and unstructured play.
Disclaimer
• Favourite CDs or pots and pans can be used to stage a
This publication is offered as a guide and should not be
dance or music concert.
considered an exhaustive statement on the subject.
• Balls and frisbees can encourage kindy-age children to
kick, throw, catch and roll. *Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.

Information correct at time of publication, February 2015. Photography: Lime

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