Value of Play
Value of Play
Play is more than fun
Play helps tamariki be active, learn, build confidence, develop relationships and connect with who they are and where they belong. It contributes to healthier lives, stronger communities and better outcomes across health, education and wellbeing.
The Value of Play resource brings together evidence on the benefits of play and why it should be considered in planning, policy, funding and investment decisions that affect tamariki.
4 things the evidence tells us
1. Play supports health and wellbeing
Play helps tamariki be physically active, develop movement skills and spend more time moving and less time sitting. It is also linked to confidence, resilience, self-regulation, reduced stress and healthier sleep. Evidence suggests play could be a low-cost way to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
2. Play supports learning
Play and movement are linked to improved attention, memory, classroom engagement and learning. Evidence also shows positive links between physical activity and academic achievement, including in reading and maths.
3. Play builds social connection and belonging
Play helps tamariki develop friendships, trust, empathy and social skills. It can also strengthen relationships within whānau, bring neighbours together and support a stronger sense of belonging within communities.
4. Play strengthens cultural identity
Play helps tamariki connect with culture, language, community and place. Tākaro Māori, storytelling, waiata and haka can help share language, history and cultural knowledge between generations.
Some findings may surprise you
Research found that allowing tamariki to take controlled risks in play does not increase the risk of serious injury.
Play is linked to being more physically active and to healthier sleep behaviours.
Play and movement are associated with improved attention, memory and classroom engagement.
Some studies suggest the mental wellbeing benefits of play may be greater for children from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Tamariki lead play. Adults make it possible.
Whether tamariki have opportunities to play is influenced by decisions adults make about time, space, access, planning, funding and policy.
When play is considered in these decisions, individuals and organisations can help protect opportunities for tamariki to play, reduce barriers to access and create more inclusive and welcoming environments.
Put the evidence to work
You can use the Value of Play resource to support:
advocacy and engagement
policy and planning
programme and service design
funding and investment decisions.
Resources
Value of Play
Evidence and key messages on how play supports health, learning, belonging and cultural wellbeing.
Advocacy slide deck
Ready-to-use slides to support advocacy, planning, funding and stakeholder discussions.
