Benefits of adventure play for preschoolers

Adventure play or imaginative play comes with many benefits for preschoolers and is all about giving them a wide range of resources and materials to have fun with, experiment with and to help them build their own creations with.

Benefits of adventure play for preschoolers

Benefits of adventure play

Adventure play encourages preschoolers to ask questions, use their imagination, problem-solve and work through the process of developing their own ideas through their play.

As preschoolers play alongside their friends, they engage in conversations to share their thoughts and ideas, make decisions about their play, take turns and negotiate.

Through the use of different resources, preschoolers learn about mathematical concepts such as fitting equipment together and moving in spaces they have created such as in, around, under and over objects.

Finding a location for adventure play

Providing activities for preschoolers to use their imagination and engage in adventure play can be easily set up in a home environment.

However adventure play does not necessarily have to take place indoors. Taking the equipment and resources outdoors on a fine day provides a natural environment for your preschooler's play to develop.

Materials to use for adventure play

Materials such as blankets, cardboard boxes, dress-up clothes, driftwood, material remnants and any other natural or recyclable materials found in and around your home can provide preschoolers with the resources to use their imagination and be creative.

Adventure play tends to work best when the materials are available in a clear space, providing plenty of room for your preschooler to play, grow and expand.

Parents or caregivers role in adventure play

As adults, we can support our preschoolers by creating a clear and safe environment, listening to their thoughts and ideas, encouraging them to put their ideas into practice and allowing them to explore at their own pace.

More kids articles to enjoy:

Source: This article was written by Nurtured At Home - providing high quality learning environments in a safe and nurturing home.

Share this article

You might also be interested in ...

Benefits of process art for toddlers & preschoolers

Process art is a hugely positive way to foster creativity in toddlers and preschoolers and comes with many benefits. Process art is all about the experience, rather than the final outcome, providing toddlers and preschoolers with the opportunity to be themselves, make their own decisions and to have the freedom to be creative in a way that suits their learning.

Questions to ask preschoolers about their artwork

Young children love to paint and draw, build and sculpt and when they present us with their artworks it’s easy to tell them that they’ve done a great job - whatever the results! However with a few open-ended questions you can find out a little more about what they’ve produced and what inspired them. You’ll also help develop their creative and critical thinking skills in the process.

Benefits of adventure play for preschoolers