“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

Numerous studies have proven the importance of play in a child’s life. Through play, children can channel their curiosity and learn about themselves and the world around them. They get to connect with themselves and others, learn the art of risk and messy play, as well as understanding their likes and dislikes. Children get to know their preferences for play through sports, arts & crafts, science experiments and well-being activities. Research shows that play influences everything from a child’s physical skills to problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and emotional abilities to connect through empathy, self-regulation, listening and communicating. 

At Sherpa Kids, our holiday care programmes are designed to encourage our children to take their minds out of the classroom’s learning environment and into a world of imagination, with the support of our staff who are just as enthusiastic about getting messy in art, curious in a science experiment, energetic for a sports game and calm in a well-being activity. Our staff are trained to not only support but encourage children to pay without their involvement, so we can observe how children interact with others and the activities that are being offered as part of the holiday care programme.

Over the Easter holidays, we would like to encourage everyone to play. Playing doesn’t stop at 18, neither does our brain development. Play is the highest form of research for everyone and what better way to connect, to get to know ourselves and as a result, get to know our kids through the gift of playfulness. 

By Valerie J. Deady, Sherpa Kids Ireland!