Children need ‘less tests and more play’

CHILDREN are being focused too much on test results and scheduled activities at the expense of the freedom to play and learn, playgroup leaders have warned.

The Irish Preschool Play Association has called on parents to use the Easter school holidays to create more opportunities to play.

“Play is under threat in an Irish society that focuses too much on test results and keeping children occupied or bubble-wrapped with overly scheduled and structured activities,” a spokesperson said.

The country’s 4,000 primary and second-level schools closed yesterday for two weeks and will reopen on Monday, March 31.

According to the Irish Preschool Play Association, play teaches children to connect with their environment and with others.

“They become mini entrepreneurs through play, investing their talent and energy into developing the game. For a young child there is nothing quite like making friends and connections within their peer group,” the association said.

“That means learning to observe, to read body language, to negotiate, to assess risk, to assert themselves and to cooperate. These important life skills have a bearing right throughout life, in the board room, in the laboratory, at the negotiating table and in the market place.”

The association is a voluntary body working for children and their families, and its 2,500 members include playgroups, crèches, parent and toddler groups, after-school and out-of-school groups.