PLAYING WITH WHAT IS NOT A TOY: EXPLORING AND EXPERIENCE FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Playing is a fundamental activity for child development, but games are often restricted to conventional toys. The aim of this study is to explore the importance of exploring and experiencing unconventional activities for child development. To carry out this article, bibliographical research was carried out in academic databases, such as Google Scholar, Scielo, Pubmed, and specialized books on child development. Scientific articles, theses, dissertations and books were selected that addressed the theme of the importance of playing in childhood and the possibility of playing with non-conventional objects, as well as works that discussed the contributions of these activities to child development. The children showed a high degree of interest and engagement while playing with unconventional objects, developing motor and cognitive skills, creativity, autonomy, self-esteem, social and emotional skills. Comparatively, exploring unconventional objects proved to be as effective as using conventional toys in promoting child development. The results suggest that exploring and experiencing unconventional activities should be considered as an important form of play for child development. The children showed a high degree of involvement and developed diverse skills. The promotion of autonomy and creativity, as well as the development of social and emotional skills, were highlighted as important benefits of these activities. The study highlights the importance of exploring and experiencing unconventional activities for child development, allowing children to develop diverse skills and expand their creativity. Thus, it is important that educators and parents consider the importance of offering these experiences to children as a way of enriching their playful repertoire and favoring their integral development.