Free play isn’t just a benefit to kids, or even an excuse for their care givers to get a break – it’s essential to a child’s development. Independent play develops a child’s sense of confidence and individuality, and it also helps with developing imagination and boosting creativity.
As easy way to encourage free play is by leaving out creative tools, give no instruction, and wait. Simply create an invitation to play, and allow your little ones to do the rest.
Here I covered my coffee table with packaging paper, left out some crayons, and stepped away. The girls absolutely loved this, and throughout the day, they’d gravitate to the table, and color, draw, or scribble (sharpening skills they’ll need as they learn to write). It was a pretty great experience exercise.