Learning starts with role playing

MANILA, Philippines - Parents might want to rethink the amount of time they let their children role-play as teachers and doctors in their make-believe worlds because these might actually be building the foundation of their future careers.

Renowned child education expert and De La Salle University-Manila professor Maricar Gustilo-de Ocampo, PhD revealed that role-play, the most prevalent type of play among children, can help kids adapt better to the world around them.

“Play is the seed of learning,” said Dr. Gustilo-de Ocampo in her presentation about the importance of play in a child’s development during the Bulong Pulungan media forum organized by KidZania Manila at Hotel Sofitel in Pasay City.

 â€œAs the global leader in children’s edutainment, KidZania Manila is the ultimate role-play venue for kids, and come 2015, Filipino kids will have access to this innovative play corner,” said Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, president and CEO of Play Innovations Inc., the local franchise owner of KidZania Manila.

Dr. Gustilo-de Ocampo added that engaging in play reinforces the learning skills of children that they will find beneficial in the long run.

“Kids build skills in essential development areas whenever they use their imagination during play,” said Dr. Gustilo-de Ocampo. She added that the cognitive, social, and academic abilities of the child are developed whenever they engage in pretend play or role-play.

The benefits of role-play in childhood development are widely recognized that educational systems around the world have incorporated role-playing activities in their curriculum.

KidZania Manila is an interactive kids’ city combining inspiration, fun, and learning through realistic role play for children three to 14 years old. Kids independently explore a kid-sized city with over 100 exciting careers. Each experience is designed to empower kids, giving them the confidence to be their best selves and inspiration to be great global citizens.

Dr. Gustilo-de Ocampo referred to it as the “dramatic play corner of the 21st century.”

For more information about KidZania, visit www.KidZania.com, follow them at Facebook.com/KidZaniaOfficial, or on Twitter @KidZania.

KidZania Manila is locally franchised by Play Innovations, Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, and is set to open at the Bonifacio Global City in 2015.