The Art of Play

Discover why playing is never a waste of time

Apr.3

Playing is serious business for children. In fact, it's what they do best! Ask them why they do it, and kids will probably say, "Because it's fun!" But it's much more than that. It's also good for them.

Studies show that from birth babies begin learning through play. They use their five senses to explore their new world. Touching allows them to discover how different things feel. Brightly colored toys and clothing help develop a baby's sense of sight.
They learn social skills through game like "peekaboo". Babies quickly discover how to make those around them laugh and smile.
When toddlers choose which toy to play with, they begin developing confidence in making decisions.

Which toys are best?

Children love toys that allow them to sue their imagination. Sometimes an empty box can become anything a child imagines it to be.

Crayons, paints and Play-Doh are also good because they allow children to create. Traditional building blocks teach important pre-math skills like problem-solving.

Word Bank:

Social skills (n.) 社交技巧
In kindergarten, children learn the social skills they need to get along with others.

Toddler (n.) （学步的）幼儿
Pat's two-year-old brother attends a class for toddlers.

Confidence (n.) 自信
Debbie gained a lot of confidence speaking English when she went to Australia.

Imagination (n.) 想象力
The people who planned the Disney parks have wonderful imaginations.

Crayon (n.) 蜡笔
Jimmy only uses blue crayons because blue is his favorite color.

Apr.4

Playing doesn't become any less important once children start school. Many valuable lessons about life are learned on the school playground. Kids learn how to share, take turns and play by the rules.

Health officials give another good reason for why children should play. Kids need the exercise, and playing is the most natural way to get it. The average student spends several hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen. Playing outside is much healthier. And studies show that active children get better grades too.

All Work and No Play

Believe it or not, play is important for adults too. More and more companies are realizing the value of playful work environments. Pixar, for example, encourages its employees to loosen up their minds and bodies through play. The company provides its workers with a game room, a pool and other fun areas. Pixar believes playful employees are more creative employees. Who knows? Maybe the idea for Cars started out in the game room.

The results are in. Playing is good for you, no matter how old you are!

Word Bank:

Valuable (adj.) 珍贵的，宝贵的
The thieves stole a valuable painting from the museum.

Average (adj.) 平均的，一般的
The average cat sleeps 16 hours a day.

Loosen up (phr. v.) 放松
Before we start to run, we should loosen up by walking.

Result (n.) 结果
The results show that Todd is the new high school president.

More Information

Peekaboo (n.) 逗小孩的扮鬼脸游戏
Play-Doh (n.) "培乐多粘土"，一种（儿童玩的）彩色黏土
All work and no play (idiom) 只有工作，没有娱乐

Usage Tip

The result are in.
in 在本句中作副词，有“出现，出来”的意思。例句：
1. We'll believe you when you all the evidence is in.
2. We can't make the announcement until the reports are in.

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