Interview a parent, teacher, or another adult who regularly interacts with children. Find out what this person believes play is, its value, and what he or she does to influence it in children. When you share your findings make connections to what you have read in this Unit regarding the definition of play, play theory, and developmental growth. What is your own definition of play?
Readings and Resources
eBook:
Sluss, D. J. (2019). Supporting play in early childhood: Environment, curriculum, assessment (3rd ed.). Cengage.
This chapter describes the various theories, both classical and current on play. Information is provided on the state of play in America as well as globally. The characteristics of play are also explored.
- Chapter 1: Valuing Play
Articles, Websites, and Videos:
This website brings the student to an article on the benefits of play and provides an overview of why play matters. Skills gained through play such as socialization, learning games with rules, benefits of physical activity, and taking turns are described.
- Pappas, S. (2012). The top 5 benefits of play. LiveScience.
The following article explains the value of constructive play and how to encourage its development in your own classroom
- Drew, W., Christie, J., Johnson, J.E., Merkley, A.M. & Nell, M.L. (2008). Constructive play: A value-added strategy for meeting early learning standards. Young Children.
The following article provides an overview of psychosocial development.
- McLeod, S.A. (2018, May 3). Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Simply Psychology.
This film explains and provides a review of traditional approaches to the study of play from a historical perspective. The importance Piaget gave to the child’s development of symbolic representation during play is highlighted. The emphasis on the emotional development of theorists Freud and Erickson is shown as well. Vygotsky’s view of development with his views on play as an opportunity for the child to gain control of their own behavior is featured.
Supplemental Resources:
Publisher’s PowerPoints:
This article explains to parents the purpose of developmentally appropriate practice in a conversational format.
- Tomlinson, H.B.(2016, December/January). Explaining developmentally appropriate practice to families. Teaching Young Children.
Place this order or similar order and get an amazing discount. USE Discount code “GET20” for 20% discount