What is the main goal of play activities with infants?

The primary goal of play activities with infants is to help them learn developmental skills. During play, infants engage with their environment and explore through touch, movement, and interaction, which are essential for their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. This natural process fosters critical skills such as problem-solving, language development, and fine and gross motor coordination.

While play can certainly entertain infants and provide enjoyment, its deeper purpose lies in facilitating learning and growth. Through various forms of play, such as sensory exploration, social interaction, and imaginative play, infants can practice and refine the skills that are foundational for future learning and development. Therefore, the emphasis on developmental skill acquisition through play highlights the significant role that these activities play in early childhood development.

Preparation for school and assessment of cognitive abilities are considerations that come later in a child's development. In the early stages, focusing on play as a means to support and enhance developmental skills sets the groundwork for more formal learning experiences that come with age.