To put it in comic book terms, young children may encounter a hero — unstructured play time in which their imagination runs wild and vital brain development races forward like Speedy Gonzalez.

Or a villain, such as television.

Esme' Brekke, 6, a kindergarten student at Three Rivers School in La Crosse, plays on the Monkey bars during a daily 45 minute outdoor playtime. PETER THOMSON photo

“They’re the antithesis of each other,” said Connie White, a longtime teacher and early childhood education expert from Ontario, Canada. She spent this week at Three Rivers Waldorf School, observing classes and talking to parents about children’s play.

White said that all too often, busy parents plop children in front of the television or computer instead of shutting the screens off and giving kids’ imagination and bodies room to roam.

“It’s a handy babysitter,” she said of TV and computer use. “Your child can sit there, not have any thoughts, remain completely silent and never fuss.”

But watching television is passive and stunts children’s imagination, she said. And having imagination “is everything,” she said. It allows people to comprehend history. It makes it possible to appreciate novels. It drives people’s ambition and bolsters confidence.

White pointed to an October report by the American Academy of Pediatrics that stressed the importance of good, old-fashioned playtime. It listed benefits: children can become more creative, discover their own passions, develop problem-solving skills, relate to others and adjust to school settings.

A number of changes in society have put children in danger, she said.

Families have gotten smaller, giving kids more time with adults and less with other kids. Parents tend to work longer hours. Academic testing in early grades has created a push for “young Einsteins,” she said. Technological advances have eliminated chores that used to give life a steady rhythm.

Yet children don’t need to suffer, White said. Parents can make the choice to slow life down, turn off the television and let kids be.

“I think parents today carry around a lot of guilt for not spending every moment with their kids,” she said. “But my mother and father never felt guilty for ignoring us.”

PARENTS' ROLE IN PLAY

Connie White, an expert in early childhood learning, listed some ways parents can help foster play for their kids:

Have safe toys available: She recommends “open-ended” toys, such as shells, pine cones or chestnuts. The natural shapes stimulate children’s imagination and allow them to invent games and activities using them.

Encourage movement: Leaving on the TV or computer encourages stationary, passive engagement. Shutting them off allows kids to do what comes naturally — move around and explore.

Do chores: White said many parents think they should leave their household chores for after bedtime. Quite the opposite. “Parents need to set an example of useful work, and let children watch and help,” she said. “They learn through imitation.”

Don’t interfere: Children should be left mostly alone to direct their play. Parents should resist the urge to intervene and instruct them. Let them follow their own imagination and get used to using their own instincts.

Get outside: The natural world provides almost endless opportunities for creative, self-directed play, White said. But be sure to set reasonable limits so kids stay safe.

Dan Simmons can be reached at (608) 791-8217 or dsimmons@lacrossetribune.com.

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