Here, we break down what experts mean when they talk about “constructive play,” benefits, and how to encourage it. “Kids need nature, they need unstructured time, and they need play. It may seem like this is just ‘fun,’ but we know from research that this is how they grow,” says licensed physiologist Nicole Beurkens, Ph.D., CNS, about playtime. Here, a nonexhaustive list of the benefits of constructive play for kids: “Math is much more than just learning arithmetic and solving equations. Cooking, scheduling, doing chores, and playing games are just a few things your kids probably already do at home that involve math concepts and skills. Give kids more responsibility in these areas so they actually learn how to use math in the real-life activities they will be doing for the rest of their lives,” Beurkens tells us about activities to try at home. “Young children can count things around the house, make patterns with toys or found objects, sort blocks by shape or color, and play simple board games.” “Aside from books, a plethora of other daily tasks involve reading. Following instructions for art and building projects, playing board games, and listening to podcasts or audiobooks all flex kids’ reading muscles and ensure that they retain and improve their reading skills while at home,” Beurkens tells us. “You can have your kids write fun stories to share, come up with new lyrics to favorite songs, or make a gratitude list to share with one another at dinner.”
