The Characteristics Of Play And Importance For A Child's Holistic Development

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Play is a natural behaviour in children. Through this essay we will attempt to define play and view its importance for the child’s holistic development. We will then outline the characteristics and types of play (Hughes in Macleod-Brudenell & Kay, 2008). Furthermore, we will consider play supports the child’s developmental skills and understanding. Then we shall look at how play changes according to the child’s maturation during the first six years of life. Lastly we will consider children with special needs.

Due to its numerous uses, a simple definition for play is impossible. A good description could be that “Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated” (LLP, 2014b, p1). Still as a word, it does …show more content…

As the child plays he/she practices and progresses through each area of his/her development according to his/her maturation. “Every advance from one age period to another is connected with an abrupt change in motives and incentives to act” (Vygotsky, 1933, p3). Hence, is it understood that a s play changes according to the child’s age and needs. Based on Piaget’s stages of play (in Macleod-Brudenell & Kay, 2008), Smilanksy (in Macleod-Brudenell & Kay, 2008) identified five basic forms of play. These consist of; Functional or exploratory play, Constructive play, Dramatic play, Social-dramatic play, Games with …show more content…

According to Jun-Tai (2004) hospital play allows the child to express him/herself as well as support recovery. By engaging into pretend play the child is able to build an understanding of a process he/she will undergo as is for example having his/her blood drawn. Play has also proven useful for distraction purposes to provide the child with a positive climate. For example when a child is physically unable to move his/her legs opportunities to exercise his/her hand such as cutting can help him/her cope. Additionally, Hyder (in Nutbrown & Clough, 2006) argued that play was also found to be comforting and healing for children affected by

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