I believed that play is essential to children’s education that cannot be minimized and separated from learning. It is not only helping children develop pre-literacy skills, problem solving skills and concentration, but also generating social learning experiences, and helping children to express
The teaching of language or academic skills in early ages is not something only found in formal types of education, but is also found in child-directed play and interaction with children in early ages is also an important part of education. (Webster-Stratton & Reid, 2010). According to the Seattle Learning Center, Child-directed play is a one-on-one play interaction where the child is helped to direct and lead the play in any way the child desires. While adult directed play or adult-led play is opportunities set up by adults for children to discover. (Pearson Schools and FE Colleges).
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
Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.
According to an article “The Value of Education,” by Russell Taylor, there are two reasons behind this attitude – the lack of family values and the lack of responsibility taken by many kids. Kids often do not appreciate the value of education they are receiving. Parents have a lot of responsibilities in drilling to their kids the importance of education for their future. Taylor notes that “If children are do not understand how important school is, chances are they will not succeed when they are adults” (64). Parents need to remind their kids the motivation and discipline it takes to succeed in school.
Thus, children learn more proficiently and gain more knowledge through activities like dramatic play, art, and social games [4]. Tassoni proposes that "some play opportunities will build up explicit individual areas of development, but many will develop several areas” [5]. Major principles for creating a play-based learning environment comprise providing a safe place, correct supervision, and culturally conscious, skilled teachers who are well-informed about the Early Years
This signifies the importance of play in a child’s life. There are many theories that support play as a way for the child to develop socially, cognitively and emotionally. Despite it being easy to list down various play activities, it is difficult to come up with a set definition for it although it is widely accepted that play should very much be free, unstructured and mostly child-initiated. The purpose of play and the supposed benefits the different types of play aids in the development of a child will be further discussed. Given that play is such an integral part of a child’s life, based on evolutionary perspectives, there has to be a reason why children engage in play and thus classical play theories attempt to explain the purpose of play.
There is no right or wrong way to play, it is a process that varies from child to child and is a very natural part of development. Play is how children learn to socialize, to think, to be independent, and to have fun with others. Play connects children into their imagination of the world we live in. According to Jona K. Anderson-McNamee “Play with other children helps a child learn how to be part of a group. Play allows a child to learn the skills of negotiation, problem solving, sharing, and working within groups (2010).” In parallel play children start off with no interaction where they may see the child playing alongside them, but do not interact they grow their independence.
Learning is for use not only in school but in real life. The focal point of all pedagogical theories and methodologies is always the learner. The involvement of the learner in the process of learning is very important. It should be through active participation facilitated by the teacher either inside or outside the class room. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.
(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.