Unstructured play is a set of activities that children dream up on their own without adult intervention. This type of play allows children to create their own rules and establish their own limits. It gives the child a sense of freedom and control, which in terms allows them to learn about their likes and dislikes and even make mistakes without feeling any pressure or failure.

Recent research suggests that children should experience twice as much unstructured time as structured play experiences and touts the benefits of unstructured play on whole child development:

• Provides opportunities for children to master elements of the world on their own terms
• Develops self-determination, self-esteem, and self-regulation; which are important for emotional development
• Fosters social competence, respect for rules, self-discipline, aggression control, problem solving skills, leadership development and resolving conflict
• Stimulates the senses and allows children to discover the different textures and elements
• Provides the playground to cultivate creativity and imagination
• Enhances cognitive understanding
• Builds strength, coordination and cardiovascular fitness
• Allow child to create their own happiness, enhance inventiveness, and develop self-reliance.

Unstructured play is just one of the many physical activities for pre-schoolers. It allows children to explore their imagination and the things around them. In a time when so many of us deal with hectic schedules, it's good to remember the importance of a little free time for children to grow.

To find out more about how you can have unstructured play for your preschoolers, try KinderGym.