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 2011, p. 52). Rattle your Brain uses their hands, ears and minds so they can increase those senses in their development.
Her approach to early education was developed around schemas. She believed “a pattern of repeated actions. Clusters of schemas developed into later concepts” Another key element of Tina Bruce Theory is ‘free flow’ play. She believed children learn better from first hand experiences, developing rules and props, freely chosen activity, rehearsing recent learning or celebrating learning, imagining the future, pretending and co-ordinated ideas and feelings. Tina Bruce’s theory was put into practice with the twelve features of play, some of these are: • Children make up their own rules while they play.
Have fun with children. Let them play and be themselves, it’s OK! Many people think “what are children learning through play?” try it and you will see. You will see that children learn most of what they know through play. I’m not talking about planned out play.
This make's the child very happy and like to continue or add more to what they have done. It also makes them feel good about themselves. Praises are very important when working with children because it also helps the develop their morals. Negative behaviour will be ignored as long as there is no health and safety risk. A tantrum will be ignored by the teachers but if a child is expressing negative behaviour such as hitting, they will then be told to stop in a firm voice (not shouting) Vygotsky - Adults should provide a play based curriculum and engage with children in play activities to extend their learning.
Running-Head: Play Therapy Yves Gerald Play Therapy and its Implication in Child Development 2/7/12 Introduction Montaigne, a French classical writer and philosopher of 16th century made this statement: “If you wish to understand your child, you need to understand his play.” In fact, researchers consider play the leading vehicle for learning in childhood. Play is essential to young child’s health (Life-Span Development, p. 27) and has many functions. Theorists, indeed, have focused on different aspects of play and highlighted a long list of functions. According to Freud and Erikson, play helps the child master anxieties and conflicts (Lifespan, p.27). It permits the child to work off excess physical energy and to release unexpressed tensions.
You must be professional and approachable to children giving them lots of praise and eye contact. If you do this the child feels comfortable around you. If the child feels happy and comfortable and able to trust you then you are making the right impression on them. Allowing the child to come to you when they feel uncomfortable or they need assistance with something. Children tend to role play themselves through play playing schools and playing the role of teachers, playing mums and dads, etc so this proves that the way in which adults behave has a strong impact on how children look up to adults as role models.
Goodwillie’s book called, “Breaking Through” and Cameron’s book called, “the Artist’s Way,” focuses on two unique ways of teaching people about creative drama. There are many benefits of using creative drama in the classroom. Social awareness is increased through working with others, and pretending to “be” others. By doing this, a child can learn to understand himself and others. Also, Children learn cooperation, leadership, and communication skills.
I let children participate in the same routines and play experiences, this way I learn to recognize children as distinct individuals with special strengths and needs. I continually make creative modifications to routines and activities so that each child benefits from participating. It is my duty to make sure that all toys and materials are stored and organized to ensure order in activity areas. There is a bin for dirty toys that is out of children's reach. When a toy becomes dirty, such as after a child has played with it and put it in his or her mouth, I put it in the bin.
Children also have the amazing ability to be able to use their imagination and create their own stories to improve their own vocabulary by themselves or with friends and via play it allows them to begin the basic key steps into using literacy. Without play and leisure none of the above would be remotely possible. There are 7 areas of learning which are delivered through practical activities and active learning experiences both indoors and outdoors which promote the importance or play and leisure. These are Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity. Language, Literacy
This paper will discuss an example of how a child can learn through play in each of these areas of development. Learning through Play An age appropriate, content-rich environment that allows children to explore and play creates energy and enthusiasm that historically, has put a drive to development that is inseparable (Van Hoorn, Nourot, Scales, Alward, 2011). When teachers are engaged in children’s play it helps to enhance their learning through all the areas of development. Cognitive skills are developed through children interacting with people and materials in their environment. As they explore in hands on activities they are learning about patterns, relationships, problem solving and processing of information necessary to help them succeed in school.