Dr. Jean Piaget, a pioneer in child development, famously stated, “Play is the work of childhood.”
Play allows children to explore emotions, practice social interactions, and develop self-regulation which are all critical components of SEL (socio emotional learning). Research published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2021) highlights that play-based learning enhances children’s ability to navigate emotions and build positive relationships.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as developing five key skills. Play provides a natural environment where children develop these skills organically:
Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions.
Self-management: Controlling impulses and handling stress.
Social awareness: Showing empathy and understanding others.
Relationship skills: Communicating and cooperating effectively.
Responsible decision-making: Making thoughtful choices.
There are several types of play that supports SEL:
Imaginative Play (Pretend Play, Role-Playing)
Imaginative play allows children to step into different roles and perspectives, developing empathy and emotional understanding. A 2017 study in Developmental Psychology found that children who frequently engage in pretend play demonstrate higher levels of empathy and social problem-solving. Parents can join in the pretend play and ask their children open-ended questions (“How does your character feel right now?” etc) to support their SEL growth.
Cooperative Play (Board Games, Group Activities)
Cooperative play teaches children about teamwork, turn-taking, and handling frustration. Dr. Ross Thompson, a developmental psychologist, emphasizes that cooperative play builds negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, essential for relationship-building. Playing board games like Candy Land or Uno, building puzzles together, or creating group art projects are all ways to participate in cooperative play with your children.
Physical Play (Outdoor Play, Sports, Free Movement)
Active play helps with emotional regulation by allowing children to release energy and develop self-control. Studies in Pediatrics & Child Health (2020) indicate that children who engage in regular physical play have lower stress levels and better impulse control. Parents can get outside and play tag, jump rope, or dance with children in unstructured outdoor playtime.
Constructive Play (Building Blocks, STEM Activities, Creative Play)
Building and creating encourage patience, problem-solving, and persistence. Dr. Lev Vygotsky, a renowned psychologist, proposed that hands-on play fosters higher cognitive functions, including emotional self-regulation. This type of play consists of playing with LEGO, assembling puzzles, or making crafts. It is important to let children struggle through challenges instead of rushing to fix problems for them.
There are several social and emotional benefits of play:
Play Builds Emotional Regulation: When children role-play, they process emotions in a safe setting. If they pretend their stuffed animal is scared, they are practicing emotional expression and self-soothing techniques.
Play Encourages Empathy and Social Awareness: Pretend play and storytelling allow children to explore different perspectives, fostering empathy. A 2022 study in Early Childhood Research Quarterly found that children who engage in frequent storytelling games demonstrate stronger social awareness.
Play Enhances Communication and Relationship Skills: Games that involve taking turns and working together reinforce cooperation and effective communication.
Play Helps Manage Stress and Anxiety: Dr. Stuart Brown, author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, states, “Play is essential for reducing stress and building emotional resilience in children.”
Wondering how you can support play based SEL at home?
Provide Unstructured Playtime: Allow children to lead their play without rigid schedules.
Join the Fun: Engage in play with your child to model SEL skills like turn-taking and emotional expression.
Encourage Problem-Solving: When conflicts arise, guide children to find their own solutions rather than stepping in immediately.
Limit Screens & Prioritize Hands-On Play: Active, imaginative play is more beneficial for SEL development than passive screen time.
Use Play to Discuss Emotions: Ask questions like, “How do you think the teddy bear feels right now?”
Resources:
• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
• Play: How It Shapes the Brain by Dr. Stuart Brown
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