PLAY

A child at play is a child making sense of the world.

Definition
It is a pleasurable activity that is engaged in for its own sake. It simultaneously involves the child s total personhis/her intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and physical self. It is freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated behavior that actively engages the child It often implies a sense of FUN! It is learning! The impulse to play comes from within. It is about what interests the individual, child or adult, himself REMEMBER, no matter how old we are, we all play!!

 In play, a child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; in play it is as though he were a head taller than himself. Lev Vgotsky

Importance of Play
Cultural

Learning about self, others and the world

Through manipulation and exploration

Social and cultural scripts (enacting social roles)

Vital role in development Essential in developing reasoning- learn to observe, judge and predict probable outcomes Perspective taking-seeing beyond him/herself
Collaborating with others Communication Teamwork

Enhancement of language

Importance of Play
Improvement of planning skills, problem-solving, and development of strategic and critical thinking Improvement of academic skills and attitudes Increase the attention span Enhances memory and IQ Outlet for the childs most basic emotions and feelingslove, aggression, anxiety, sympathy, jealousy, empathy, etc Physical development Enhances imagination and creativity Child derives pleasure from task completion and problem solution. They have the power to influence the environment

Most of the time, I am unable to tell you exactly how I feel. My play reveals so much about me which you should know.
In my play you see
My emotions and feelings My personality My strengths My weaknesses What thoughts preoccupy me My interests How I organize information My dreams and desires My problems The kinds of pressures, encouragement, and defeat I have known

How can you help me grow and bloom in the world?

Types of play
Cognitive Play levels Functional Play- repetitive muscle movement with or without objects Constructive Play- using objects or materials to make something Dramatic Play- role-playing and/or make believe transformations Games with rules- recognition and acceptance of and conformity with pre-established rules

Types of play
Social Play Levels Solitary Play- playing alone with materials different from those children with speaking distance Parallel play- playing with toys or engaging in activities similar to those of other children who are in close proximity without an attempt to play with other children Group play- playing with other children where roles may or may not be assigned

Role of Play in the Childs Development

Physical development
Primary way physical and motor development are promoted Enhance fine and gross motor development

Role of Play in the Childs Development

Emotional development
Powerful medium for children to express their thoughts and feelings in a comfortable manner and where they are in control Way for children to express unacceptable feelings in acceptable ways Contributes to the childs well being and selfconcept and aids in building self confidence and competence

Role of Play in the Childs Development

Social development
Encourages social interaction Allows children to decenter and see from others perspectives Learn to deal with others feelings and attitudes, learn to negotiate, resolve conflicts and get along with others in their midst Allows practice of social patterns and conventions, giving them freedom to accept or reject these Develop self worth by making friends

Cognitive/Intellectual development

Role of Play in the Childs Development

Vital medium for thinking processes Increases understanding, awareness and curiosity Provides opportunities to create, invent, design and build, bridging the abstract and concret, the imaginary and real, translating experiences into internal meaning and expression Expression of CREATIVITY (highest form of problem solving)

Characteristics of suitable toys

Safe Durable Appropriate to the age of the child yet equally challenging It shuld work Captiures the interest of the child; allows multi sensory stimulation Fun Stimulate creative activity Can be kept clean easily Artistic in color, form and expression Create a venue for interaction Should foster values that we uphold as adults Affordable Progressive, encourages the imagination Teaches attention and perseverance Easy to manipulate with minimal adult supervision

Adults Role in Play

Design the environment

Provide a rich learning environment Give them lots of choices and lots of room Choose the toys that allow lots of imagination Value the equipment for dramatic or pretend play. Take part in it. Teach the children proper storage of play things calmly

Adults Role in Play

Guide the play experience

Know when and when not to initiate, extend or enter play experience. Do not attempt to lessen difficulty but actually thoughtfully create it. Help children to be resourceful when they play Be sensitive at all times Involvement impresses the value of play

As a guide you can: Extend play Parallel Play Co-play Play tutor

Things to remember
Getting involved enhances a childs play experience. It is a great way to strengthen family ties and creates lasting and wonderful memories How to take part:
Observe the child at play Follow your childs lead by joining in at their level. Encourage them to stretch their abilities but let them be in control Be creative with how you use toys. Use your imagination and free the child within you! Have fun and relax. Remember, this is your special time to play and share----enjoy it for what it is!