(18) Corsini and Auerbach (1996) refer play as a vehicle for learning that enables a child to grow cognitively, socially, physically and emotionally. It is more than simply 'a child's work', as within the context of play the child learns about interrelationships and is afforded the means to become an effective participant. (19) Mclane et al. (1996) examined the attitude of teachers, administrators and college educators towards play and how play is facilitated among children at early childhood. The findings suggested that early childhood professionals held a range of perspectives on play reflecting differences in knowledge, values, beliefs and practices, which were rooted in their differences in personal, cultural and educational experiences.
Type of Play Play is very important in the child’s growth and development (Myers 2012). The type of play that is found in early childhood are things that use their hands, and minds. Using games/toys helps kids interact with other kids to create a social environment and comfort. Play also helps children learn in many ways (Myers 2012). You usually find kids playing with blocks, building things, and games that use their imagination (Guyton
‘Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth’ (Ginsburg, 2013). The Primary School Curriculum and Aistear which is the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework both mention how important play is for the child’s learning and development. Play is so important that it is mentioned and preserved in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Article 31 of the UNCRC. Children are their happiest when they play. Elkind states that, ‘A playful childhood is the most basic right of childhood.’ (Elkind, 2007) Play is the collective language of childhood.
While adult directed play or adult-led play is opportunities set up by adults for children to discover. (Pearson Schools and FE Colleges). Child-Directed play is important because it allows children to find practice necessary skills like overcoming obstacles, problem-solving, effectively communicating feelings, and working with others who may have different ideas and points of view. It also encourages development of children 's skills such as cognitive, emotional, social and physical. It is a necessary part of every child 's life.
(Clements & Florentino, 2004) articulated the value of children 's play in their holistic development which are play exists at the very heart of chilhood. It is the fundamental means through which children learn about themselves, their family members, their local communities and the world around them. The freedom to explore, experiment, make believe, and make choice 's is a key ingredient in the healthy development of every child.
1. My reason for being in the field of early childhood development is because I have always found myself fascinated by how a child’s mind develops over time, I find that children are some of the most interesting groups to understand. However, the more in-depth version of why I study child development is because I have always from young age wanted to help others and work with children, so I started taking classes in child development because I want to be an occupational therapist and I wanted to learn more about child development. Then the more classes I took I realized I loved working with children with special needs, so I realized that although I still wanted to be an occupational therapist, I wanted to do something with special needs or child life along side studying to be an occupational therapist. 2.
The first giant is Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel. He proposed that play is a necessary element in educating the “whole” child allowing him to use all his imaginative powers and physical movements to explore his interests. Froebel stated, “Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” He was convinced that the primary focus for teaching young children should be through play. The second giant is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky believed in the sociocultural theory that children learn actively and through hands-on experiences, and that parents and caregivers and peers have a role in a child’s development.
The teacher therefore has to come up with creative and innovative ways to teach children and to always actively involve the learners for learning to be maximized. She can do this by relating the content of this focus area to the child’s actual world and also by bringing concrete objects to touch and feel, or even pictures. The influence of Beginning knowledge on children: This kind of knowledge can only benefit children since it forms the basics of their entire schooling career. They start becoming critical thinkers by questioning things that happen around them, and acknowledging why things happen in a certain way. It also helps them realize what world they live in, how to interact in this world and how they as individuals fit in the world.
enjoyment. Play can also be considered a rehearsal for acting-out real life events – such can be seen when children play house or school (Parsons, 2011). Also, play is so important and essential that it is included in the United Nation Convention of the Rights of the Child as stated in Article 31 (Leisure, Play and Culture): Children have the right to relax and play and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities (www.unicef.org). According to Bergen &Fromberg (2006), play is important to the optimum development of children. Unfortunately, though there is abundant research evidence showing that play supports young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, it has often ignored or addressed
enjoyment. Play can also be considered a rehearsal for acting-out real life events – such can be seen when children play house or school (Parsons, 2011). Also, play is so important and essential that it is included in the United Nation Convention of the Rights of the Child as stated in Article 31 (Leisure, Play and Culture): Children have the right to relax and play and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities (www.unicef.org). According to Bergen &Fromberg (2006), play is important to the optimum development of children. Unfortunately, though there is abundant research evidence showing that play supports young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, it has often ignored or addressed