Play is fundamental to a child’s development. As an educator, I have observed children’s inability to engage in play due to their workload, which includes educational pursuits and chores. I’ve witnessed the oh-so familiar conversation between child and parent, with the parent firmly telling their child, ” You play too much”, while I stand on the sidelines thinking, that children are not playing enough. Throughout the years, research as shown that children actually learn through the art of play.

Why is Play Important?

Play Aids in the Development of Problem Solving Skills

I can recall numerous occasions when my friends and I would solve problems while we engaged in play. We would create different items needed for a specific game using anything we could find around the environment. From empty juice boxes to empty pans, we sure solved our problems without adult guidance. That’s how play works. It allows a child to development their critical thinking skills without feeling pressured to come up with solutions for the problem at hand. The next time you observe a group of children playing, take the time to carefully observe the problems that arise in the game and how they quickly go about solving them. 

More Play Equates to less Stress

Studies show that when we laugh or engage in a fun activity, our bodies release endorphins that promote a feeling of well-being. Studies have also shown that children are experiencing increased stress; thus, children do need to engage in regular play to lessen their chances of becoming overwhelmed. Therefore, more play equates to less stress. 

Play Fosters Proper Communication Development

While children engage in play, they communicate with the individuals they are playing with. This allows them to develop effective communication skills as they are practicing the art of proper listening and speaking.

To conclude, as stated before, play is fundamental to a child’s development. Parents are encouraged to include organized and unorganized play in their daily routine. Do remember that all work and no play make Jack and Jill dull.

A balanced diet aids in not only the proper physical development of a child but also proper cognitive development. Good nutrition can positively impact students’ behavior and academics. 

Nutrition and Brain Function

Studies show that B vitamins such as niacin and thiamin help the brain metabolize nutrients for energy and aid in the protection against dementia. 

B vitamin deficiency can result in a lack of brain energy, which can in turn negatively impact one’s ability to learn. Therefore, consuming foods that contain the nutrients needed for proper brain function is vital. Studies show that the best brain foods include the following:

• Green, leafy vegetables. According to research, consuming plant-based foods may aid in cognitive decline. 
• Fatty Fish. Fatty fish contain vitamin B12. A low intake of B12 can speed up brain ageing, which can result in memory loss and brain shrinkage. 
• Berries. A study conducted among people who consumed blueberries showed that they experienced improvements in memory and attention to required tasks. 
• Walnuts. Walnuts are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and other nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to improve brain cells. 

Proper Nutrition Makes Students Healthier

When students receive the nutrients they need to remain healthy, this will result in fewer sick days. Students will be less likely to be absent from school. Fewer sick days means that students will be able to attend school regularly. 

A balanced diet plays a key role in a child’s development and educational accomplishments. It is our responsibility as a society to ensure that our children consume the adequate nutrients needed for proper development. 

I’m sure you’ve heard how sleep is important, but what is the importance of sleep? The Oxford Learners Dictionary defines sleep as the natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is not conscious. Adequate sleep is essential to children’s achieving their highest academic potential.

Benefits of Sleep

Build Immunity

Over the years, researchers have been actively investigating the correlation between sleep and better health. Some researchers have concluded that sleep and our immune system are connected. A proper sleep schedule strengthens the immune system. The immune system needs to remain strong in order to properly deal with threats and injuries when they arise. Therefore, adequate sleep is necessary for a strong immune system.

Sleep Helps Us Make Sense of New Information

Have you ever had an issue understanding something but ended up comprehending it after taking a nap? Studies conducted concluded that while we sleep, our brains actually process complex information. So, our inability to retain or learn the formula for that new math concept or anything new in general might be linked to sleep deprivation.

Rids Harmful Toxin

Studies show that while we sleep, our brain gets to work clearing out harmful toxins.

Proper Sleep Helps Us to Make Good Decisions

I don’t know about you, but when I am tired, I find it very difficult to think critically. When we are drowsy, we are prone to making errors. A good night’s rest allows our brain to think critically during our waking hours. 

Sleep is an important factor in living a fulfilled life. I strongly believe that it is important for us to include adequate time for sleep in our daily schedule. I hope that within our busy schedules, we will remember to make time for sleep, as now we are familiar with the importance of sleep. 

Studying is the method by which we learn. You can employ a variety of study strategies to help you become more productive. Below are 6 types of studying.

Rote Learning 

Rote learning is the process of memorizing knowledge through repetition. For instance, we can repeatedly read or hear the definition of a term until we can write it down or recite it from memory.

Summarizing

Finding the key points in newly acquired information is the act of summarizing.

Composition

One of my favorite methods of study is composition. To help you understand the material you are studying, you might write or type a composition. You can also practice how you will finish an examination. 

Recall

You can repeat knowledge to recall it. After gaining new knowledge, you can complete recall by describing a topic to friends or family that you learned—whether from a book, online, or classroom setting.

Cramming

Cramming involves quickly trying to commit a large amount of information to memory. People do not always learn effectively by using the massed practice study approach, even though many have found success in their exams with this method. We may not retain the knowledge gained, and real learning may not occur for us.

Mastery  Learning 

One should grasp a concept completely before moving on to learn another .

A previously mentioned, you can employ a variety of study strategies to help you become more productive. Each learner, however, may not benefit equally from the same strategy. I advise experimenting with several study methods to determine which one is most effective for you.

We must study in order to acquire and retain knowledge, which will help us develop personally and professionally. Studying will assist us in acquiring the abilities necessary to contribute to society. We can use the 6 types of studying strategies mentioned in the essay to improve our lives.