Defining Play

1045 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Play influences development in children

Introduction
Defining play can be very difficult. The term play can be used to illustrate a wide range of behaviors and activities, and can be perceived as both essential and insignificant to the child at the same time. Santrock (2012, p.437) suggests a definition of play as "a pleasurable activity that is engaged in for its own sake." However, this is argued by Kernan (2007, p.5) who states that none of the potential definitions are broad enough to encompass all of the meanings associated with play. Despite the lack of such universal definition, Rennie (2003, p.22) claims, that "we can recognize play across barriers of language, of culture, even of species", which conveys its importance in the life and development of children, as it is almost a language of its own, used by children from a very young age.

The role of play in the life of young child
The importance of play in a young child's life is well recognized. It is essential in the life of a young child as it can "make important contributions to young children's cognitive and socio-emotional development." (Bergen & Fromberg and Coplan & Arbeau, cited in Santrock, 2012, p.437.) It was especially emphasized by Vygotsky (cited in Santrock, 2012, p.438) who believed that play is "an excellent setting for cognitive development", crucial in the first few years of life. During play, children are capable of functioning within the zone of proximal development (ZPD), which means that they are able to do things they are usually not capable of yet (Vygotsky, cited in Brennan, 2012, p. 162.) This ability to operate outside their capabilities is crucial, as it allows children to expand their interests and knowledge, and play is an excellent opportunity to do so (Riley & Savage, 2000,...

... middle of paper ...

... and Assessment, NCCA.
Rennie, S. (2003) Making play work: the fundamental role of play in the development of social relationship skills. Brown, F. (Ed.), Playwork. Buckingham. Open University Press.
Riley, J. Savage, J. (2000) Bulbs, buzzers and batteries - play and science. Moylan, J., R. (Ed.) The Excellence Of Play. Buckingham. Open University Press.
Santrock, J. W. (2012) Child Development. New York. McGraw-Hill.
Smith, P., K. (2000) Play and the uses of play. Moylan, J., R. (Ed.) The Excellence Of Play. Buckingham. Open University Press.
Tassoni, P. Hucker, K. (2005) Planning Play and the Early Years (2nd Edition) Oxford. Heinemann.
The Strong (2013) Retrieved 11th November 2013 from http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-home/free-structured
Wood, E. Attfield, J. (1996) Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum. London. Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd.

Show More
Related

  • Samantha

    2458 Words  | 5 Pages

    Early Childhood is marked by a time in children’s lives when they develop “a confident self-image, more effective control over their emotions, new social skills, the foundations of morality, and a clear sense of themselves as boy or girl” (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011, pg. 45). According to Erik Erikson, early childhood is a period of “vigorous unfolding,” one where children have a sense of autonomy and a new sense of purposefulness or initiative (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011, pg. 45). Play is a means for children to learn about themselves and they begin to adopt the moral and gender-role standards of the society in which they live (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011). A negative outcome of early childhood is the guilt children feel as a result of excessive punishment and criticism by the adults in their lives (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011)....

    Read More

  • Child's Theory Of Play

    1219 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many theorists have tried to define play as a concept, however, no two agree on a set definition. Their backgrounds and induvial lifestyles influence the way they see the importance of play. Reed and Brown also believe that there isn’t an agreed definition of play because is something that is felt rather than done (Reed & Brown, 2000 cited in Brock, Dodd’s, Jarvis & Olusoga, 2009). In spite of this, it is clear that most theorists uphold the ethos that play is imperative to a child’s learning and development. There is a wide range of different studies and theories which helps us develop our own perception of what play is. In my personal experience I have found play to be a way of expressive our emotions, exploring and learning new things, thus

    Read More

  • Child Development and Learning Gender Differences in Play

    1520 Words  | 4 Pages

    Sayeed, Z and Guerin, E (2000). Early Years Play: A Happy Medium for Assessment and Intervention. London: David Fulton Publishers Ltd.

    Read More

  • Imaginative Play Case Study

    1320 Words  | 3 Pages

    Play is instrumental in the healthy development of children. The development of play throughout an individual life is essential in providing the necessary methods to foster growth and development in critical developmental areas. According to Davies (2011), play is instrumental in providing a bridge for the child to transition from a toddler with a limited capacity to understand the world into a child in the middle years who can think logically. Play is also important in fostering cognitive development, social development, language and communication, moral development, self-regulation, and sense identity.

    Read More

  • Gender Differences In Children's Play

    1324 Words  | 3 Pages

    Unlike some of the more dated articles, this article is recent and takes into account some of the past findings about theories of play. As a limitation, the authors stated that instead of just focusing on one small population, it may be helpful to explore the life circumstances of other marginalized groups, such as African American, and observe the differences between those groups with relation to Mexicans who have migrated to the United States. Overall, I think the authors tried to tackle too many things in their research. For example, the authors talked about the use of play in learning English and gender differences in play. For the sample size, it would have been helpful to only focus on one aspect of play instead of formulating three hypotheses and expecting a sample size of 41 students to answer such complex

    Read More

  • An Essay On The Importance Of Play On Child Learning

    841 Words  | 2 Pages

    An Article by Dr. Leong and Dr. Bodrova (2016) stated that play is beneficial to children’s learning especially when it reaches a certain degree of complexity. When they engage in play activities most of their early years, they learn to delay gratification and to prioritize their goals and actions. They also learn to consider the perspectives and needs of other people and to represent things significantly to regulate their behavior and actions in a cautious, intentional way.

    Read More

  • Sociodramatic Play In The Play

    1600 Words  | 4 Pages

    Play is such an important part of the learning and growing, especially for children. Children engage in many different types of play, but the play I saw the most when I observe the children of my daycare is sociodramatic play. The book Understanding Dramatic Play by Judith Kase-Polisini defines sociodramatic play as “both players must tacitly or openly agree to act out the same drama” (Kase-Polisini 40). This shows that children play with each other and make their worlds together as equal creators. Children also work together without argument. There is also some personal play involved in their sociodramatic play. The children involved in the play worked to make a family having dinner, which is great example of how this will prepare them for

    Read More

  • Child Learning Through Play

    1857 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...ctive. Play is an essential learning tool and one that must not be ignored within the classroom. It is a catalyst to help children develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. It is not only an important part of a child’s development as a pupil but also a child’s development as an individual.

    Read More

  • Play in childhood

    1365 Words  | 3 Pages

    Isenberg, J. P., & Jalongo, M. R. (2010, July 20). Why Is Play Important? Cognitive Development, Language Development, Literacy Development | Education.com. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from http://www.education.com/reference/article/importantance-play-cognitive-language/

    Read More

  • Similarities and Differences between Reggio Emilia and High Scope

    1688 Words  | 4 Pages

    ..., J., & Garzoli, E. (2007, November 11). The Effectiveness of a Play-Based Curriculum in Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from http://teachplaybasedlearning.com/8.html

    Read More

  • The Power of Play for Children

    1350 Words  | 3 Pages

    Thinking back on my childhood, I first remember all the times I played outside in my backyard. I would pretend to dig up dinosaur bones or create imaginary realms of ancient lands; there I would perform diplomatic services for the people in need. I was usually alone, and those are some of my fondest memories. When I first decided to become a teacher and thought about what is important to my philosophy on how children learn, I immediately knew I was a strong believer in play. Although, many decision makers such as legislators and school district leaders believe in more academic types of learning styles, my paper will discuss why play is so powerful and important to children.

    Read More

  • Play Influence on Child Development

    544 Words  | 2 Pages

    Children develop normally when they are exposed to different types of play that allow them to express themselves while using their imaginations and being physically active. According to the Center for Health Education, Training and Nutrition Awareness, “Play is child’s work”; this is true because it is a child’s job to learn and develop in their first few years of life, in order for them to do this, they play. Not only is playing a child’s full time job, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights listed play as a right of every child. Through their full time job of play, the children develop emotionally, socially, physically, and creatively. Children need to participate in child-led play in order to facilitate healthy development of their minds, body, and creativity.

    Read More

  • The Reflection Of Play And Play Based Learning

    723 Words  | 2 Pages

    Before diving into my research, I reflected on the knowledge I already knew regarding play and play based learning. From experience, I know that play is an enjoyable activity for children, and even some adults. I know that there are different ways one can play. For example, playing with others is known as cooperative play and playing alone is considered solitary play. There are different types of play. For example, there is dress up or pretend games, which is considered dramatic, play and there is playing with building blocks which is constructive play. After my reflection I realized that I was more knowledgeable on the action of playing rather then the benefits of it.

    Read More

  • Essay On Importance Of Play

    872 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Kindergarten school, some parent believes play is the best way for young children to learn the conceptions, skills, and set a solid foundation for later school and life success. In the other hand, many parents disagree and believe play is a waste of time, messy, noisy, and uneducationall. I believe play is not waste of time, but it something worth to fight for, in this presentation I would show parent the main importance of some of the numerous kinds of play, and why play is a fundamental basis for improving children’s ability to succeed in school and life.

    Read More

  • Play Importance Of Play

    1154 Words  | 3 Pages

    A very wise man; Charles Schaefer, once said “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” To begin with, there is no one explanation about what play really is, other than the fact that it holds infinite numbers of definitions according to every single individual. Play is just not a physical body movement involved in an activity, but more than that if you look outside of the box. For centuries, play has been practiced in its own unique way with not only children, but adults as well.

    Read More

More about Defining Play

Open Document