Open-ended play is when a child interacts with a toy or object that has no right way to play with it. This encourages creativity and imagination. It helps the child use more skills and makes them feel in charge. In addition, dolls like Eimmie also strengthen a child's social/emotional skills, critical thinking, and empathy.
Here are 10 quotes from everybody from Mr. Rogers to Dr. Spock on why open-ended play matters.
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.
Fred Rogers
Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.
Kay Redfield Jamison
The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.
Carl Jung
Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.
Diane Ackerman
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.
O. Fred Donaldson
Play fosters belonging and encourages cooperation.
Stuart Brown, MD
Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.
Joseph Chilton Pearce
You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
Plato
Children have always learned and created places for themselves through play.
Donna R. Barnes
A child loves play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.
Benjamin Spock
