IGRA KAO PODSTICAJ ZA ZDRAVI DJEČJI RAST I RAZVOJ
PLAY AS A STIMULUS FOR A HEALTHY CHILD'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Summary/Abstract: The development of a child is a complete process that works according to individual predispositions, potentials, and living conditions and includes motor, intellectual, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. An important factor in regard to a child's growth and development is its environment, which is supposed to provide play for the child, the discovery of the world around it, and the development of its competency through interaction with other people and the environment, which has an effect on the regular growth and development of the child. Childhood is usually associated with play. Play is a childhood phenomenon; it is typical for every child, and it is a signature of children's culture. On the other hand, play represents for children the main way to learn about themselves, others, and their surroundings. From its early years, the child is occupied with play in the form of exploration games, and as the child grows and develops, its play evolves, becomes more complex, and develops different characteristics. Play covers various activities in which the children play on their own, with other children, and with people or objects. For a child's growth and development, play is the basis since it affects the development of motor, intellectual, emotional, and social abilities, as well as speech and language development and self-confidence. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of play for a healthy child's growth and development, as well as the ways in which play affects a child's growth and development.

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