Productive time with toys
PLAY is essential for children's growth and development.
As such, the movement control order (MCO) had an effect on young children too as they could not play with their peers both indoors and outdoors during this period.
As educational institutions like kindergartens and primary schools have been closed because of Covid-19, some groups are doing their bit to ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) child councillors together with Toy Libraries Malaysia and public safety project Childline Malaysia have been distributing toys to children from the B40 community during the MCO.
Some 3,000 new and pre-loved toys donated by the public to Toy Libraries Malaysia, have been given to those living in people's housing projects (PPR), low-cost flats and special needs centres, among others.
Jadid helped identify younger children around his housing scheme who were in need of toys.
Toy Libraries Malaysia chief play advocate Datin PH Wong said ensuring children were engaged in productive activities, especially during the earlier phases of MCO when they were housebound, was important.
"Young children should not be using electronic devices for long hours, even if it is for e-learning.
"They learn best through physical play, which is essential to their growth and development, " she said.
Concerned about their peers
MBPJ child councillors initiated the project after realising that there were many children who were deprived of the joys of playing during the MCO.
"Child councillors who live in PPR and low-cost flats identified their neighbours who would benefit the most from the donated toys. With the help of adults, they have been distributing the toys to their peers, " said Wong.
Child councillor Jadid Akvar Jamal, 12, who lives in the Taman Desaria low-cost flats in Petaling Jaya, said that during the earlier phases of the MCO, children living in the flats were unable to play in open spaces or at the playground.
"I saw many of them looking bored and just gazing outside from their window and front door grille.
Wong says play should be incorporated into children's daily activities.
"To fill their time, some would watch TV or play with their parents' smartphones.
"Not many had toys which they could play with inside the house since they were not allowed outdoors back then, " he said.
Jadid and his schoolmates communicated via their parents' smartphones to identify families with children of a certain age who most needed toys to play with.
Petaling Jaya child councillors president Allison Low, 16, said they were working with about 10 PPR, refugee families as well as the Orang Asli community to identify suitable recipients for the toys.
Another MBPJ child councillor, Alya Batrisya Mohd Ramzi said many children from lower-income families lacked toys, which could hamper their growth in several spheres.
Parents are encouraged to have play time with their children, more so during the MCO.
"During the MCO, they could not interact with their peers and had nothing to fill their time with.
"We wanted to do something to help, " she said.
Although most of the restrictions have been eased under the recovery MCO, children below 13 years old are not allowed at many public spaces or to gather in large groups.
Suitable learning materials
Registered Childcare Operators Association exco member Jameyah Sheriff said parents should make time to play with their children, more so during the MCO.
"You don't need to buy expensive toys.
"Instead, parents could use cooking utensils or create play items using recyclable materials.
"Play needs to be looked at holistically.
"Try not to put too many limitations on play activities so that it does not become too structured, " said Jameyah during an online event to mark World Play Day on May 28.
Almost anything can be transformed into a play item, including recyclable materials.
Wong said play should be incorporated into children's daily activities.
"The act of wearing shoes or clothes can also be a learning activity and form of play, " she pointed out.
Petaling Jaya child councillor adviser Nadiah Hanim said play could include activities such as cooking together.
"Online classes can be challenging for young children as they find it difficult to stay focused during lessons.
"Instead, younger children can even learn skills from items like used egg cartons and empty boxes."
Elaine Kong, who has travelled to rural areas in Sabah to set up toy libraries and conduct play sessions, said learning should never replace playing with physical objects.
"When learning through play, it is also important to conduct some form of assessment even if it is via observation, " she advised.
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