Let Boredom Happen It’s tempting to fill every moment with structured activities, but boredom often leads to the most creative play. Resist the urge to step in right away — give your child time and space to figure out what to do next. Ask Open-Ended Questions Rather than directing play, try asking questions like: “What do you think will happen if…?” “Can you show me how this works?” “What’s your plan for this tower?” These prompt reflection and extend thinking, without taking control of the activity. Encourage Play with Others Whether it’s a sibling, friend, or neighbor, playing with others teaches children how to negotiate, cooperate, and resolve conflict — essential life skills that start on the playroom floor. Follow Their Interests If your child is fascinated by animals, dinosaurs, or space, build play opportunities around that interest. You can support it with books, role play, art, and trips to local museums or parks. Trust the Process Purposeful play doesn’t always look productive, but that’s okay. Trust that your child is learning in meaningful ways when they’re deeply engaged — even if it looks like “just playing.”
lids, cardboard tubes, fabric scraps), or simple art supplies. These invite imagination and problem-solving, rather than directing your child toward one outcome. Try this: Set up a “maker space” with recycled materials, tape, and scissors, and let your child invent something. Keep Screens to a Minimum While some digital activities can be educational, unstructured play away from screens allows children to develop focus, communication skills, and creativity. Try carving out daily time where screen-free play is the norm. Rotate Toys and Materials Children don’t need a room full of toys to play meaningfully. In fact, fewer options can spark deeper engagement. Try putting some toys away and rotating them every couple of weeks to keep interest fresh. Make Time for Pretend Play Dress-up clothes, kitchen tools, old phones, and cardboard boxes can become anything in your child’s imagination. Pretend play is rich in language, storytelling, and emotional expression. Tip: Join in occasionally — let your child “cook” for you or invite you into a pretend
Encouraging Purposeful Play at Home: A Guide for Parents.
shop — but follow their lead. Embrace Mess and Movement
Play isn’t just something that happens at school — it’s a vital part of your child’s development at home, too. The good news? You don’t need expensive toys or a large space to support rich, meaningful play. With a few simple strategies, you can create an environment that nurtures creativity, confidence, and learning every day. Create Open-Ended Play Spaces Offer materials that can be used in a variety of ways — such as blocks, loose parts (like
Play is often noisy, messy, and active — and that’s okay. Allowing children to build, paint, dig, climb, and dance helps them learn about their bodies, their limits, and the world around them. Set boundaries, not restrictions: A simple “messy play mat” or outside time can help manage cleanup without stifling exploration.
8 | New York Loves Kids | School Guide 2025/2026
New York Loves Kids | School Guide 2025/2026 | 9
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