With all the ever-increasing pressure on children to succeed at younger and younger ages it can be tough to remember they are just children. While in this age group it's when they are most influential and they are developing so many skills that will continue to impact them way in to adulthood.  

So how do we remove some of that pressure and encourage them just to be children? 

Through Play! 

1- Play-based learning 

If you are worried they should be spending that time learning then incorporate fun into lessons. Children are much more likely to understand information when presented through a game or a song. It becomes much more memorable and importantly fun for them. We all know the saying time flies while you’re having fun and this is one of those scenarios.  

2- Play Breaks  

It sounds silly but it can help to break up monotonous activities with an injection of fun. For every hour you could potentially have it result in ten minutes of play afterward. This helps keep their minds engaged and refreshed. Doing work for hours on end can result in children disengaging and zoning out of the information that is being presented to them.  

3- The more the merrier!  

There's a reason playgrounds are a hive of activity! By adding more children into the mix not only do they get to create their own games but also they will be working on their social interactions as well. When teaching something new you can create even more interaction with a group, they can act out scenarios they are being taught they can all read a character role from a story book and most importantly they can bounce off each other's energy creating a higher level of excitement.  

4- Encourage toys to spark ideas 

We all love toys that have an obvious purpose on how they should be played with. Although the play can become repetitive and more unenjoyable as time moves on as there isn't much variety. Providing toys such as Lego bricks, Dolls or even craft supplies. You provide the opportunity for their imagination to create whatever they feel is possible. Using toys such as this also encourages problem-solving, creativity, and storytelling!  

5- Resist the urge to step in  

It can be really easy for us as adults to step in and take charge of a situation and especially in play “The Rules” Children don't always need rules and by letting them play the way their imagination wants is much more beneficial than stepping in and telling them they are playing it wrong. Allow them to express their creativity and only step in if they ask but always follow their lead.  

There are our five top tips on how to encourage more play for your kids even when they are learning! Let us know if there are any more you would add or how else you encourage your children to embrace play.