Make-Believe Play Teaches Self-Control, Academic Success

Published September 28, 2009 @ 01:09PM PT

How can we help kids think straight, process information in a coherent way, and avoid distractions? The attainment of these so called 'executive-function skills' that allow kids to self-regulate may hold the answer to why some kids attain academic success. And how can self control best be taught? Through play: mature, dramatic, complex play. An ability to play creatively might just be the best indicator of future academic success; we may need to further blur the boundary between work and play.

The question of play is one article from The New York Times Magazine's school issue which also deals with how can we remake education (less testing, more education; tech in the key; intervene earlier; give kids more time in school), a long piece about what it's like to come-out in middle school, and an article about inner-city prep-schools.

[Photo credit: woodleywonderworks]

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It's critical Mike. If ever there was a "job" children had to do, it's creative play.

Posted by Oceania OZ on 09/28/2009 @ 04:09PM PT
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I am agree ,playing games have a important role in producing creativity among children that will leads to a academic success.

Posted by Life it up on 09/29/2009 @ 09:51PM PT
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