Video transcript

Narrator: School days are busy and demanding, so free time to play is important for school-age children. Play gives your child the chance to express their imagination and emotions, to have fun, and to build friendships.

Although your child is more independent now, your relationship is central to their life. Your encouragement and recognition of your child’s strengths builds their self-esteem and confidence to try new things.

Learning is happening all the time through the everyday things you and other people do with your child, like playing games, going to family gatherings, going to school and doing extracurricular activities.

Playing with friends and family helps your child develop their thinking, social and physical skills. Activities like chasey, dance or soccer get your child moving and connect them with their community. Other quieter activities, like reading, art and craft, board games or digital games are good for when your child needs some downtime.

Digital technology can be part of a healthy lifestyle for children. It’s all about making sure that your child balances their use of technology with other activities. It’s also important that your child uses quality digital media and gets enough sleep so they can play, learn and concentrate each day.

Play is a big part of how children get to know their schoolmates and make friends. It helps them settle into school more easily too. And when your child plays with their new friends, they can get better at taking turns, sharing and cooperating.

By 8 years of age, your child is learning to voice their opinions and tell stories with plenty of energy and emotion. Listening and talking to your child shows that you’re interested in what they have to say and encourages them to talk more.

In these early school years, your child might need to do a small amount of homework. It might be reading with you or collecting interesting objects to share with the class. Supporting your child’s learning makes them feel loved and sparks their curiosity. It also shows your child that you’re interested in what they’re learning.

Development happens in a similar order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your child’s development is on track, or if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. You can make an appointment to talk to your GP.

For more information on child development and how to spot concerns, you can visit raisingchildren.net.au.