In the early 1900s, Maria Montessori developed a revolutionary method of education that focused on providing optimum stimulation during childhood. This approach, which allowed children to move and act freely, using creativity and problem-solving skills, has had a lasting impact on the way we understand the importance of unstructured play in child development.
Montessori’s Legacy: Teachers as Gentle Guides
Montessori schools today still follow the principle of teachers as gentle guides, encouraging children to complete activities with little adult interference. This self-directed approach, which includes a segment called “practical life” involving real-life practical tasks, fosters creativity, exploration, and independence in young minds.
The Importance of Play in Child Development
Play is a natural and critical part of child development, contributing to competency, resiliency, emotional health, and brain size. However, opportunities for play in schools and outside can be minimal and uneven. Play deprivation can have negative effects on human
development and play deficiencies can impact well-being and development.
Challenges in Promoting Play in Schools
Despite the clear benefits of unstructured play, challenges exist in getting buy-in for more playtime in schools. Adults need more support and encouragement to maximize the benefits of play, and outdoor play and children’s independent mobility have declined over recent generations. This drop in outdoor playtime is linked to declining physical activity levels, with the amount of time a child spends outdoors being the biggest determinant of how much physical activity they get.
World Health Organization Recommendations
The World Health Organization recommends that children engage in a certain amount of physical activity daily. A recent review found that children aged from three to twelve years receive 60-165 minutes of outdoor play each day. By promoting unstructured play and
encouraging creativity, exploration, and independence in young minds, we can help ensure the healthy development of future generations.