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The Creative Play Based Activities of Girls
The first week of July brought in temperatures of over 100º for a solid week and limited outdoor play activity in south west Ohio. This meant children were forced to stay indoors during most of the day. As you can imagine, parents dealt with trying to keep children busy and entertained.
For the most part, reading books, building Lego™ superheros, watching videos and playing electronic games kept our grandson busy, but our granddaughter found these options uninteresting. She preferred to create her own play activities, her decision was to have a parade. She spent the rest of the day planning, creating and implementing a Princess Pony Parade.
Girl's Play
Most parents discover that as children reach the toddler stage girls play differently than boys: boys prefer mobile toys such as cars and balls, while girls prefer playing quietly with dolls and stuffed animals. Activities with girls lean towards language-oriented, sedentary play providing a social setting for cooperative play (playing with other children). Boys enjoy the competition in play and express it through rough-house play styles.
An interesting scientific theory suggests that color sensitivity may attract gender-specific choices in playing with toys. For example, the pink elephant with purple ears may be visually pleasing to a girl due to her eye's sensitivity to color. A study by Dr. Anya Hurlbert, New Castle University, discovered reddish colors were preferred by females in their 20's. This may be why most lipstick shades vary from light neutral and pinkish colors to bright reds and purples.
Of course we must not forget how the brain plays into the gender specific preferences in play. Neuroscience studies found the difference is not so much in brain structure as it is in the development of the brain in regions. Also, a study completed in June 2008 by PloS Genetics discovered genes are expressed differently in male versus female brains in play and social interaction, which may explain the preference in gender specific toys.
National Favorite Color Ranking
Rank
| Boys
| Rank
| Girls
|
|---|---|---|---|
1
| Blue
| 1
| Blue
|
2
| Green
| 2
| Purple
|
3
| Black
| 3
| Green
|
4
| Red
| 4
| Red
|
5
| Orange
| 5
| Black
|
6
| Grey
| 6
| Orange
|
7
| Brown and White (tie)
| 7
| Yellow or Brown
|
8
| Yellow
| 8
| White or Grey
|
Source: Color Preferences of Men and Women, Dr. R. Flanders and B. Norman, Georgia CTAE Resource Network: Study of primary-aged children
The Princess Pony Parade
When my granddaughter was a preschooler, she rarely played with dolls; most of her toys were stuffed animals. She also enjoyed building with Legos™, racing toy cars and playing outside in the sandbox with her brother. However, as she entered kindergarten we noticed she slowly began to take an interest in dolls. Now in upper elementary, she still shows an interest in video games, playing outdoor sports and building with Legos™, but her preference for creative play based activity remains higher.
As I mentioned earlier in this article, she spent an entire day creating a princess pony parade. She thought through the parade route, designed banners, created the spectators (represented by white pieces of paper), and applied a theme to the route (glittery rubber balls). It seems such a simple activity to adults, but the cognitive skills used to think through the process of color, patterns, balance and language skills were highly stimulated. It also involved sensory areas such as vision and touch, fine motor skills, and "cause and effect" critical thinking skills.
A child's play is much more than what we can observe, it's their work. Work that leads to the understanding of complexity as they grow and the ability to make important decisions.
Creative Play Activities for Girls
Play, as it connects to the whole child, involves creative thinking, physical movement and social interaction. It is necessary for the healthy growth and development of the child's body and mind. Although most girls will gravitate towards a more sedentary, social and language-oriented play, providing a girl play activities that stimulate these areas will build her self-confidence and promote positive social interaction with other children.
The following activities will help a girl to enjoy toy/activity preferences and also extend her interest into other types of play, especially necessary physical movement. (Note: check the toy packaging for age appropriateness)
- Two to three year old: Riding toys, stuffed animals, balls, simple blocks and puzzles
- Three to Four year old: Bikes, slides, swings, blocks, puzzles, dolls, simple art crafts
- Four to Six year old: Simple obstacles courses, scavenger hunts, bean bags, dolls, pretend play with clothing, water colors, plastic animals, outdoor gym/swings
- Six to Ten year old: Jump Rope, balls, bikes, dolls, arts and crafts, puzzles, hula hoops
Does your daughter prefer playing with dolls and doing crafts over other play activities?
Comments
- Author
It's interesting how girls gravitate to this type of play and colors isn't it? I like the Littie Pet Shop toys because they are so varied and allow kids to play with much creativity. Enjoy your granddaughter!
Your granddaughter has great imagination and knows how to use your space. My daughter loves her Little Pet Shop toys and makes different village scenarios. Her favorite colors are pink and blue.
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ComfortB, my granddaughter loves horses and stuffed animals first; dolls are accessories. I'll bet she will keep her stuffed anilmals until she is way into her teens. Thanks for your supportive visit. Blessings!
My daughter, now 14, was into stuffed animals, especially dogs. Once she asked for a Bratz Doll, which she got, but didn't really play much with it. She was either reading, or with her stuffed puppies.
Great hub teaches12345!
- Author
Thanks Becky for stopping in here and for leaving your feedback on the topic. I am sure your girls will come up with some very creative play activities as they begin to explore their world. They do play differently at younger ages, but always they provide us with much enjoyment. Enjoy those sweet children!
Hey Teaches,
As I read through I tried to keep both my girls in mind. My oldest JUST started kindergarden as you may remember and my youngest is rapidly approaching 4.
I answered your poll with they enjoy all activites, well because they do. However they are both just entering more "independant" stages as you mentioned kindergarden as the "marker" for differential play.
Regardsless I voted interesting (as always) and useful. Thanks for sharing!
~Becky
- Author
I so enjoy your comments and visits, Girishpuri. Pink is such a winning color with colors, along with purple. It's fun to watch them enjoy the choices in colors.
Now my daughter i in college, but your hub reminds me, when he was studying in school, i was searching for pink color, which i her favorite, interesting hub.
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Hey krsharp! I am glad you enjoyed the parade. She has recently designed an animal zoo which I am posting on this week. Great time visiting with you, my friend. Keep focused and continue your happy journey.
What a wonderful parade. I was fascinated by the intricate and creative design she set up! Fantastic! -K
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Yes, it is something to see how their natural preference in play emerges. PracticalMommy, I still prefer reds and purples in colors as well, so girly! Thanks for your support and visit here. Be safe out there.
What interesting information! To think that we're wired to have preferences in colors and certain activities.
I like to watch my daughter, 1.5 years old, play. While she loves playing with 'boy' toys with her bother (trucks, blocks, etc.) she also loves playing with her dolls. She likes to color as well, and is a bit more disciplined than her brother at trying to stay in the lines. It's funny to see how alike yet how different the two of them can be.
- Author
Dwachira, if you niece is like most other girls, she will enjoy the chance to create and make a parade. Enjoy your time together. Thanks for the votes and sharing.
You have a great way of doing illustrations and it is obvious you have been a resourceful teacher. I have picked some suggestions from this article that i will try with my niece, thanks. Voted up, useful and shared with followers.
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Michelle, enjoy those boys.. maybe a girl will come later? Thanks for the support on this hub topic. It is fun to watch her play because she's very creative. Blessings and love to you, too!
Hahahah I can just imagine this one....so cute and imaginative! In our house, we seem to be surrounded with kids that are boys..now I wish someone would give birth to a girl too! Love and blessings, Dianna.
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I am happy to hear how enjoyable the read was for you, Sturgeonl. I still enjoy that creativity through the kids I play with. Thanks for your support and have a great weekend.
I could not help making many connections to my childhood memories when I read your hub. It reminded me of all the projects I liked to create when I was a young girl. Thank you for bringing back the fond memories. Voted beautiful!
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Ttoombso8, glad that you have your boys to bless you with their active and creative minds. Thanks for sharing this with others and for your visit. Be safe and well.
teaches, another wonderful hub. I always wanted a girl. Instead, I got two boys. :) This was a great read, really enjoyed it and will be sharing with my friends that have girls. :)
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Jools, you sound like really fun parents who know who to make life exciting! Love to hear this kind of sharing. Thanks for the votes.
This made perfect sense to me - my daughter loved her dolls and she also loved model horses as well so we had many a 'gymkana' set up in our living room and she played a lot with her friends with this game.
Teaches, an interesting hub. Voted up.
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Cclitgirl, this is an unusual summer for the midwest. Usually it runs around 85 to 90 degrees, but it is humid. I hope this area gets some relief soon. Thus, it was a week to find some creative play activity, which girls are pretty good at on their own. Thanks for your vote of support and visit See you around the neighborhood.
Docmo, thank you for your validation of the content. I try to break what I have learned down into layman's terms so that it is useful and can be applied. I'm sure that in your profession you have similar methods of sharing with people. Anna is all girl and I'll bet she makes the most playtime very interesting. You are doing well to encourage creativity, this does help them to critically think and will only strengthen them as future leaders.
Fascinating insight, Dianna. I love the way you mix science fact with practical input. I have two boys and a daughter. Anna is highly creative loves to draw, set up scenes, play act, sing and play with dolls. Her energy and enthusiasm is boundless. We let our children pick their favourite pastime and encourage creativity. I know her room is so messy but there are so many treasures of creativity in there it is astounding. thanks for validating our thoughts. voted up of course.
Very fun! You have an imaginative granddaughter and you're a wonderful grandmother to help her fulfill her imagination. :D I didn't realize southern Ohio got so hot! I live in the mountains of western NC and we're close to a large river. It gets humid but not that hot - usually about 85 degrees on really hot days. What fun!!
- Author
Thanks, Vellur! I appreciate your visit here and supportive vote. I think I enjoy watching her play as much as she enjoys creating it.
Very interesting and informative too. Creative play is great for children. It enhances their imagination and thought process. The princess pony parade is very interesting and great fun. Voted up.
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Ruchira, so glad you found this interesting and thanks for sharing with those who could also use the information. Take care, dear friend.
Molly, that's so funny -- my husband just said the same thing! I guess creativity can be a good thing to pass on. Enjoy your evening.
Lady E, I do miss the bookmark also as I have come across hubs that I wanted to save for later. Thanks for stopping by here. Yes, my granddaughter is one that loves to plan and organize -- who knows what she will think of next!
This is beautiful to read. Your daughter is very creative too. This is a Hub I would definitely want to visit again. It's one of those Hubs that has a lot of tips and one definitely needs to refer to it from time to time.
Hubpages used to have a Book marking facility. Pity they stopped it.
Brilliant Hub
Thanks.
This is fascinating, Teaches. Your granddaughter essentially made up and dramatized a story with characters and plot, instead of having one ready made for her through a book or a video game.
Maybe she'll grow up to be a writer like her Grandma! :-)
great and informative hub, teaches12345. I don't have a girl but, am fwding this hub to a couple of my friend's who have daughters and want ways to beat the heat.
cheers!
voted up as interesting.
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Nell, I had a similar play style when young. Had a doll, but preferred to climb trees, run and jump. It's the creative, social play that really marks girls. Thanks for coming by and for your support. Enjoy your day!
- Author
You certainly do have a girl on your hands, Katrine. Creative, social play is what girls do best! Enjoy your daughter!!
- Author
Hello Blond Logic, not every girl/boy has a strong preference for gender-based toys. It's the manner of play and the purpose that is noted in activities. I played a bit with dolls growing up, but my siblings referred to me as the "tomboy" in the family. Thanks for your support and have fun out there!
- Author
Hey, Peggy! I thought the color choice information was interesting as well. I do prefer the purples, reds and pinks still at my age. I appreciate your support through the votes and visit. Blessings!
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Hi Snow, thanks! Love my grandkids, they do keep me active and loving life.
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Unknown, I sometimes wish I could play like this again, still can somewhat when my granddaughter is around. :)
Hi fascinating hub and subject, If I remember right I tended to play more with boys toys than girls. I remember my poor mum buying a lovely dolls pram, with matching covers and frills around the side. It was pushed once then shoved in the cupboard! lol! good points, and I never realised about the color differences etc, I have a friend who has just had a little girl so I am going to be watching now! voted up! cheers nell
When I read this great article and looked at those lovely pictures I thought I was reading about my daughter's interests and play activities. Although she loves playing with the dolls, she is a creative type, and she has an eye for a detail. She loves crafts and she can come up with all sorts of games that include playing with ponies and barbies just as you described. And it can keep them busy for quite some time, because they get their creative spirit out...
This was so interesting. I loved the parade.
I used to love to play with dolls and yet my daughter didn't . Perhaps it had to do with siblings. I had two sisters and my daughter only a brother.
Very thought provoking.
Voted up.
This will become a valuable resource for people wishing to purchase age appropriate toys and objects for girls as they grow. I thought that the chart regarding color preferences between girls and boys was most interesting based upon research. You have packed this hub with useful and interesting facts and observations. Voted such + sharing. Thanks!
Very creative and unique ideas teaches. you have a wonderful granddaughter!
best teacher, teaches :) As always you write fantastic, details and very informative, packed with ideas. Thank you for sharing.
- Author
Thanks Integrity!
You including great things in that hub. Rock on!
- Author
Thank you, TeacherJoe, for the web address of these Charity organizations. I will pass them onto him.,God bless you!!
B. Malin, yes, we all need to enjoy playing alone-- it gives us time to think things through. Thanks for your visit here. Be well and strong.
It's Wonderful to read that your Granddaughter was able to use her Imagine and create a Beautiful Parade. My Granddaughters also Enjoyed this type of play when they were younger. It's so important for a child to be able to play alone. Thanks for sharing this Experience with us!
Hi teaches
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Why not give them a try?
God bless you.
- Author
Sounds like your daughter is demonstrating her girl power to create fun! Thanks for stopping by here, Maria. Enjoy your weekend.
I was thinking of my daughter while reading your hub. She is not in to passive play as well and often thinks of ways to make her play more interesting even while alone. Great hub!
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You definitely know what girls are about with such a creative granddaughter! I think our two girls would love to play together. Thanks for stopping in Movie Master and for adding insight to the hub.
Christy, I think I enjoy being a kid with them when they play, it's great bonding. Thanks much for your support here.
The princess pony parade looks like fun! So glad you have a good connection with your family and thanks for sharing your tips to help families stay connected.
I love creative play with my grandaughter, she has a wonderful imagination and loves to create 'something' in play so she ends up with a 'product'!!
The other day we made a 'book' it amused her for hours creating her 'pages'
A 'princess parade' is definitely she would love to do, your grandaughter sounds wonderful!
A wonderful, informative and interesting hub as always, thank you and voted up.
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Bill, she would love helping in any parade that had horses!! She would probably take her dolls too. Thanks, dear friend, for your support.
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Alicia, thanks! The grandkids do play together, but have their preferences in gender toy play also.
This is another informative hub about child development, teaches. It was interesting to read about how your grandson and granddaughter played differently when they had to stay indoors. Your granddaughter is certainly creative!
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Pamela, thanks for your comment and visit. Three boys are enough and I'm sure they were such joy in your home and beyond.
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Teacherjoe, thank you for your added insight to the topic. Yes, girls are better at cooperative play, it's a social skill they learn early.
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Oh, get that princess cake! It's so fun and what girl's like yours will remember forever. Thanks, Janine, for voting on this and sharing. Blessings.
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Thanks Mary for your sweet comment. I think the blessings of watching a child is a lesson in life for all.
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I didn't raise a daughter, but enjoy watching my grandchild play. I'm sure you can share many stories from your childhood experience that would be helpful to so many, Kelley. Be blessed today.
I always wanted a little girl but was blessed with 3 boys, until I remarried and not I have a step-daughter. Of course, I missed out on all those adorable days like you describe. I enjoyed your hub very much.
Hi teaches.
Very informative.
As a teacher I find girls love colouring, drawing and playing word games. Girls more easily work together in groups than boys as well.
God bless you.
Completely informative hub and got to tell you that you described my 3 year old daughter to a tee here. She tells too many times a day she is princess. My princess has requested a princess cake for her birthday by the way too! Thanks again for this one and have voted and shared too!
Your granddaughter is a gem! So imaginative! I raised 6 daughters. They were so different. Some liked dolls, some liked trucks and cars, some horses, etc.etc. I do so agree with you: a child's play is their work!
Great Hub as usual. I voted it UP, and will certainly share.
I love the way you write! Your hubs are a treasure chest of practical information backed by research! I don't have a daughter so I appreciate learning more about how little girls creatively play today! Voted up and shared! Kelley
A fascinating article my friend! You dish out information in a concise and easy to understand manner. Your granddaughter should be applying for a job with the Rose of Orange Parades. She's a natural.
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