July 2007

The Importance of Play

Play is a child’s job, and United Way of King County wants to make sure that young kids in our community have plenty of opportunity to do it. Play is how children learn about the world around them and their place in it. It allows them to develop curiosity, build self-esteem, express feelings and emotions, cooperate and solve problems, and try out new skills. We’re investing in everything from parent education and support to teacher training to Play & Learn groups to ensure that adults understand the importance of play for babies and young children and their role in it.

“Brain science research shows that play is essential for the overall development of young children since play is how children learn,” says Brenda Blasingame, the associate leading Community Development at Thrive by Five Washington. “In order for all children in our community to be healthy and thrive, we must ensure that each child has the opportunity to play and learn in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Thrive by Five, with investment and participation from United Way of King County, is working with South King County’s White Center neighborhood to create a demonstration community that will serve as a model of the kind of environment that fosters successful early learning opportunities. Blasingame says that learning happens naturally through play when the right environment has been intentionally created. Ultimately, the plan is to coordinate a network of community services and resources that support all children so that they can experience high quality learning and the joy of being a child.

• Learn more about early learning demonstration communities.
• Read tips on how to make the most of a child’s playtime.
• Visit our Recommended Reading section.

Together we have the ability to change our community
for the better in fundamental, lasting ways.

For more information on why United Way of King County cares so much about kids and what we're doing to promote early learning in our community, visit our web site. If you have specific questions or needs pertaining to early learning, please contact earlylearning@uwkc.org

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