Language Play

• Recess and play also facilitates the acquisition of more school-specific skills. Play is a natural opportunity for children to develop their language skills, because children engage in a lot of dialogue when creating and negotiating the rules of a game. While playing, children also tell jokes and riddles, recite chants, and make up words. This language play develops the phonological awareness in children as they rhyme words and create words that do not exist. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play also helps children adjust to the school setting and enhances students’ learning readiness and learning behaviors. Being able to think creatively and use language are critical to a child’s success in school, and cutting recess out of the curriculum in elementary schools will be a detriment to building those skills.

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