Dear Parents,

When I studied in the U.S., and went to the library for the first time; I saw some
students playing computer games, which gave me a big surprise. I thought that
they spent such good time playing games in the library and the university
provided a place to have them play. These made me feel incredible. What I think
about the library is a place in which students study carefully and quietly. At that
time, I thought all the time why the university did so and why the students
didnt study. Its a waste of time.
Later, I read an article about computer games and learning. I knew that to some
extent, computer games would help learning. Therefore, I understand the
reason why the school did so. They realized that playing benefits students.
Playing computer games is a kind of ways to play. I dont want to talk more
about computer games. I just want to talk about playing outside. Also, I just
want to advocate our parents to give children playing time.
Playing is a nature of each child. However, it is a fact that the increasing
pressure for children to achieve at younger age makes us give little time to
children to play. Children have to have extra classes, such as math, composition,
music, etc. In fact, these are all our goals and we are putting the pressure on
children and we always contrast our children to others instead of considering
childrens needs. Even though some parents permit their children to play, they
have helped children make a decision about what children will play, for
example, they think that badminton class or tennis class can be a kind of play.
Therefore, more and more children almost have little time to play, let alone
child-initiated play.
Just as the saying goes, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Dear parents,
playing is very important. Children can develop skills that meet the need of the
21st century through playing. According to Isenberg and Jalongo article
(retrieved April 11, 2015, from
http://www.education.com/reference/article/importance-play--social-emotional/),

playing can bring many benefits.

First, children can increase their social competence and emotional maturity
through playing. Their verbal and nonverbal communication skills develop by
negotiating roles and appreciating the feeling of others. They also learn to share
their materials, respond to peers feelings and solve conflicts. Besides, they can
practice expressing their own feelings and coping with their feelings as they act
out being angry, sad, or worried in a situation they control.
Second, playing brings physical development. Playing contributes to childrens
fine and gross motor development and body awareness as they actively use
their bodies. Furthermore, physical development helps them avoid illness and
build or maintain energy, joint flexibility, and muscular strength. They are able
to feel physically confident, secure, and self-assured and increase the ability to
endure stressful situation. In addition, physical development enhances their
learning efficiency. After exercise, they can concentrate on their study better.
Third, playing results in creative development. During playing, students feel free
to inspire their creative and imaginative thoughts. Isenberg and Jalongo
(retrieved April 11, 2015, from
http://www.education.com/reference/article/importance-play--social-emotional/)
quotes Creative thought can also be viewed as an aspect of problem solving,
which has its roots in play. When young children use their imaginations in play,
they are more creative, perform better at school tasks, and develop a problemsolving approach to learning (Dansky, 1980; Dansky & Silverman, 1973; Frost
et al., 2001; Fromberg & Bergen, 1998; Pepler & Ross, 1981; Singer, 1973;
Sutton-Smith, 1986).
To sum up, since we have known the advantages of playing, I advocate parents
to give children time and encourage them to play outside school. Also, we
shouldnt over schedule them with adult-directed activities. Playing is a process
of self-development.

Sincerely,
Min