The Lego foundation play every day project needs assessment

Abstract

The problem-solving that occurs in play may promote executive functioning and higher level skills that integrate attention and other cognitive functions such as planning, organizing, sequencing and decision-making. Through play, children learn to master skills, which contribute to the development of self-esteem and confidence. Children who play together, learn to work together. They are able to learn how to collaborate, share, negotiate and resolve conflict. It, therefore, follows that play offers the potential for breaking cultural, ethnic and racial barriers, and foster unity among children. It provides opportunities for children to learn social interaction, and as such, develop sustaining friendships, as well as the ability to lead and to follow. The needs assessment is a vital component in the development of the project. It is hoped that it will contribute to a context specific understanding of children???s play practices, the values, perceptions and beliefs that parents hold around the significance of play for their children???s development, and the factors that constrain their capacities to engage their children in play activities that are developmentally more meaningful. These insights will then be used to inform the development of the Play Every Day Project and potentially enhance its impact.