The Importance of Play in Early Childhood
Reference & Education → Education
- Author Irene Reardon
- Published September 17, 2010
- Word count 509
The importance of play in early childhood is manifold.
Children learn in many ways, and play is the bases of learning within an early childhood or primary curriculum. It is a natural activity for children through which they make meaning of their world. Play within the early childhood framework lays a foundation for initiating, promoting and sustaining life long learning.
Play is the vehicle used by teachers to gain knowledge of children's interests so they can plan and put into practice a play based curriculum.
The Characteristics of Play in Early Childhood
Play is intrinsically motivated and requires the active involvement of children.
Play is dominated by the children and focuses on the process of the play rather than an end product.
Play is carried out as if the activity were real.
Play is a natural activity for children through which they make meaning of the world around them.
Play is relatively free from externally imposed rules. It is inexpensive and needs only a child's imagination.
Types of Play
Games With Rules - Establish limits so a child learns to understand specific directions and sequencing of events. negotiation, take turns, and following directions are all part of games with rules.
Constructive Play - is the manipulation of objects to construct or make something. It involves problem solving, making choices, making plans, and exploring options. building a cubby house is constructive play.
Manipulative Play - allows children to plan for a sensory experience. The use of blocks for building, paints to express in pictures, play dough and collate, all allow children to interact with materials to enhance their senses through manipulative play.
Directed Play - is usually adult directed and involves mastering a skill involved in the play. Using balance beams or climbing rope ladders can be extended into other play. eg : a tree house.
Extended Free Play - is very much a child's time without adult input. Children enhance, enrich and make their own rules for the play. Backyard play at home is often extended free play.
Educational and Non-educational Play - is adult directed and has a purpose to the play. Games with sequence and dramatic play help children to understand structure and turn taking.
Physical Play - can be indoors or outdoors, in particular settings. eg : obstacle courses, vigorous play or action songs at music time.
Make-Believe Play - is a realistic role play which uses a child's imagination and life experiences to create a play sequence. Play in home corner and the sandpit are great places to observe make-believe play.
Fantasy Play - involves fantasy characters and situations. Children have vivid imaginations and use them liberally in their fantasy play. Dressing up as Superman or fairies are examples of fantasy play.
Exploratory Play - involves, arranging, sorting, comparing, and transforming items in the environment. It is a journey of discovery using a child's senses and deductive abilities. Block corner, construction materials, and stringing beads are examples of exploratory play.
Adults work so they can afford to play. Play is children's work. So let the children play.
Irene Reardon develops teacher professional development resources for new teachers, classroom teachers and education students in the Early Childhood and Primary Setting. Copyright 2010 Irene Reardon. All rights reserved.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- IT TAKES A VILLAGE
- Closing the Digital Gap: Overcoming Accessibility Barriers for Students with Disabilities in Benin City
- Expert Quran Teacher for Kids and Adults
- Why is the study of history is critical?
- First Aid Courses and CPR Training - Safety Learning
- A META-ANALYSIS ON THE IMPACT OF CRAMMING AS LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG SHS STUDENTS IN GHANA
- Revolutionize Your School's Online Presence with a Cutting-Edge CMS Website Development
- How to Find Emotive Language in a Text: A Comprehensive Guide
- Addressing the Rise of Academic Pressure
- Standard Thickness of Asphalt Pavement
- The Importance of Character Education from an Early Age
- Education, Evolution & AI - Mixing Technology and Learning in the 21st Century
- Obtain Full G Driver’s License in Ontario
- Top Tips for Writing High-Scoring University Assignments Insights from Assignment Experts
- Parents Guide to Finding the Best Bay Area Tutoring for Your Child
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Top Driving School in Manhattan
- Gearing Up: Automatic vs. Manual Driving Lessons
- Unified Field Theory Is Explainable
- Project Management in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Success
- Progressing through the Lean Six Sigma Belt Levels: A Journey from White to Black
- A part of Crisis at school: School violence
- Unlocking Success: Why Phonological Awareness Matters for Kids and How to Support It
- Unlocking the Power of Assessment: Strategies for Effective Evaluation
- Unlocking Intellectual Potential: Edinburgh, UK Manuscript Illustrations
- Viruses, structures, causes and prevention
- the importance of stars
- Love and Limits: How to set limits while preserving loving relationships with students
- Unveiling the Potential: A Comprehensive Exploration of "Crushing It With Crypto 2024: UNLOCKED"
- The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present, and Future
- The Impact of the War in Ukraine on the School Study Process