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ORIGINAL PAPER
The functions of play in child development and the consequences of its limited availability
1
The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow
Submission date: 2025-04-17
Acceptance date: 2025-10-22
Publication date: 2025-10-31
JoMS 2025;63(3):209-227
KEYWORDS
playchild developmentdevelopmental competenciesearly childhood educationplay deprivationearly childhood pedagogy
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
Play plays a crucial role in a child’s development, supporting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. The aim of this article is to identify the value of play in child development, outline its multidimensional benefits, and highlight the risks associated with limited opportunities for play. The article also seeks to indicate directions for fostering children’s developmental competencies through playful activities within the context of contemporary pedagogy.
Material and methods:
The study is based on a literature review and an analysis of recent research findings, providing both theoretical insights and practical implications.
Results:
It emphasizes the importance of creating environments—both at home and in educational settings—that encourage free and meaningful play as an essential component of a child’s holistic development.
Conclusions:
It emphasizes the importance of creating environments—both at home and in educational settings—that encourage free and meaningful play as an essential component of a child’s holistic development.
Play plays a crucial role in a child’s development, supporting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. The aim of this article is to identify the value of play in child development, outline its multidimensional benefits, and highlight the risks associated with limited opportunities for play. The article also seeks to indicate directions for fostering children’s developmental competencies through playful activities within the context of contemporary pedagogy.
Material and methods:
The study is based on a literature review and an analysis of recent research findings, providing both theoretical insights and practical implications.
Results:
It emphasizes the importance of creating environments—both at home and in educational settings—that encourage free and meaningful play as an essential component of a child’s holistic development.
Conclusions:
It emphasizes the importance of creating environments—both at home and in educational settings—that encourage free and meaningful play as an essential component of a child’s holistic development.
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| eISSN: | 2391-789X |
| ISSN: | 1734-2031 |
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