,Play matters:
This is going to be my observation about how children play, or how they manipulate things using their creativity, imagination and so on…,
In order to help people who do research in play.
I’d like to share how my reading corner turned into a little book stall by my 3+ years old children.
I was amazed to see one child take the initiative and set up a “shop.” He quickly gathered books from the reading corner, started “selling” them to the other kids, and even chose another child to help him. Soon after, that child came up to me and asked, “Which book would you like, aunty?” I replied that I liked picture books.
I was pleasantly surprised when she brought me a book with only pictures and no words at all. But the very next moment, I was shocked when she asked me to pay ₹1000 for it!
This experience showed me how naturally children collaborate and engage with one another without conflict. It also made me realize that my children are developing strong leadership, responsibility, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills.
I also learned that children don’t need fancy or sophisticated toys to play—they can create meaningful play experiences with anything they have in hand.
Kindly share your thoughts in the comments box.
Thank you for your time!
REASON TO THINK 
2 responses to “Play matters – 1”
Hello KrupaI agree with you that children do exhibit ‘strong leadership, responsibility, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills’ during play time.It is sad that as they grow up these powerful signals which should have guided their personality or carrier choices are dismissed as’ bachchon ka khel’ or insignificant. Actually while expressing my view I also felt that children are more attracted to unconventional objects as in old utensils, used pieces of cloth, stones; probably because they challenge their cognitive abilities or resonate with their innate capabilities. Free play is actually not a ‘time pass’ it is a vital component in shaping the personality of an individual.
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Thank you for your valuable thoughts, Pallavi Tikku. From what I have learned, what impacts a child in the early years carries through their entire life. It may not always be visible during school years, often due to stress and academic pressure. How many schools truly allow teenagers to play beyond physical education sessions?
These qualities may remain hidden for a while, but they emerge when the time is right. Play is essential in a child’s development. Also, every child grows and evolves at their own pace—labeling them as “late bloomers” is neither fair nor appropriate.
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