There are numerous theories of play and countless theorists, from Freud and Spencer to Piaget and Vygotsky, who have studied play in relation to what it is and what it does for the child. This essay will outline the definition and value of play and the importance of how it can foster the child’s learning in regards to these theorists who studied the effects in great detail. It will discuss the how the environments constructed by educators can impact play and the theories of learning relating to the quote “play and learning are inextricably woven together ...” Ebbeck and Waniganayake, 2010, p. 5).
Who defines what play is? Reed and Brown suggest that play is something that is felt (2000, as cited in Jarvis et al, 2009), whereas Piaget (1962), Bruner (1974), and Vygotsky (1978) saw play as “a means for learning” (ibid). Play is what we do in our spare time and it is generally fun; the element of fun is what keeps us engaged. This essay will discuss the forms of play and its relevance and will mainly focus on 3-6 year old children but may refer to ‘us’ or ‘we’ as people (infants, children and adults) on occasion.
When learning a new instrument, comments such as, ‘I’m just playing around with the strings’ may arise. The key word ‘playing’ is the self-motivation that occurs when people enjoy what they are learning. Through playing with the strings of a guitar the child will be getting used to the sounds and feel of the instrument in order for them to begin to string a tune. Einstein believed that “play [was, and still is] the highest form of research” (as cited in Else, 2009, p.6). Else articulates play as “a process…flexible, inquisitive and creative” (2009, p.7). We get an urge to discover something new and become curious. It is ...
... middle of paper ...
...rly childhood education: Learning in diverse contexts. China: Sheck Wah Tong Printing Press ltd.
Else, P. (2009). The value of play. London: Continuum International.
Jarvis, P., Brock, A. & Brown, F. (2009). Three perspectives on play. In A. Brock, P. Jarvis & Y. Olusoga (Eds.). Perspectives on play: Learning for life. Harlow, England: Pearson Education.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media Ltd.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum: for English-medium teaching and learning in years 1-13. Wellington: Learning Media Ltd.
Stephen, C. (2010). Pedagogy: The silent partner in early years learning. Early Years, 30(1), 15-28. Philadelphia, PA: Taylor & Francis, Ltd.
Wood, E., & Attfield, J. (2005). Play, learning and the early childhood curriculum. London: Paul Chapman Publishing.
Jayson, Sharon. “Study the Player, Not the Game.” USA Today. USA Today, 15 September 2011. Web. 24 October 2011.
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
A major question that is continuously being researched and observed is whether children’s play is beneficial to children’s development. While many scientists have proved that play is, in fact, helpful in the development of children, I want to research how the different types of play affect children’s development, specifically children that are transitioning from late infancy to toddlerhood. The four different types of play that I will focus on observing is exploratory and manipulative play, functional or relational play, social play routines and pretend play. Furthermore, I would observe the children’s agency during their play and the social structures that can prevent children from playing, thus, resulting in lack of development.
Play helps build sturdy learning foundations because later levels of learning are built upon the earlier ones. All types of play, from fantasy to rough-and-tumble have a crucial role in the development of children. It is the lens through which children experience their world and the world of others. If deprived to play, they are at bigger possibility for atypical development and deviant behavior. Without play, self-control does not develop satisfactorily Goldstein, J. (2012)
Risky play is an important part of children’s play and children have shown a natural desire of outdoor risky play in the early years of ages (Brussoni, Olsen, Pike & Sleet, 2012). Risky play refers to play that allows children to feel excited and may lead to physical injury (Sandseter, 2007). In the video Adventurous play-Developing a culture of risky play, the interviewer Neville had discussed risky play with five educators. By consulting from this video, this report will provide rationales which are for creating opportunities for risky play in the child care centres, explain how to achieve the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework through planning for risky play. It then attempts to analyse the observational learning in Bandura’s
Children have a natural inclination to play, alongside a natural instinct to learn and to be curious and inventive, which are characteristics of the human race in general. This quote taken from Janet Moyles is a good starting point for this essay. It is well known that children love to play. If a child were to be left to his/her own devices they would happily play and create new worlds anywhere they were left. It has been well documented and researched that children learn excellently through play. However they are not always given the opportunity to do so, instead being told to, ‘finish your work and then you can go play’. Obviously this is not always the case, but the fact that it is a common practice shows that we do not all fully appreciate the importance of play to children’s learning. This essay will attempt to show how children learn through play, making reference to current theory and practice. I will also give examples from my own first-hand experience of how children learn and develop as people through play.
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.
Music education reinforces creativity and better behavior in children. To play notes on the page is one thing, but to play beyond it, to express the m...
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.
Play is thought to be of central importance for young children. The idea of play has developed along with the history. It is necessary for the early childhood teachers to know some theoretical perspectives on play in order to further understand play and better working with children. This essay will introduce two theories of play, one of the traditional theories of play, which is The Recreational or Relaxation theory and one of the contemporary theories which is The Psychoanalytic theory. In the essay, these two theories of play will be compared and contrast, the implications for practice in the early childhood setting will be explained and the role of the teacher would be classified.
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.
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.
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.
Griffiths, R. (2005). Mathematics and Play. J. Moyles (Ed.), Excellence of Play (2nd Edition).Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education.
Playing a musical instrument as a hobby, gives an immense sense of achievement and true satisfaction, in that one can never feel like playing difficult songs or playing it flawlessly. This boosts the ego and enforces sense of self-achievement, which accomplish more in other aspects of life. Playing instrument as a hobby, require regular practice and dedication. Allotting time to practice daily develops discipline in a person. This can be very advantageous to children who, research shows that everything else fails, but music disciplines children-when they are naturally curious and excited about it.