Our second entry on chapter 9 was written by Caitlin. It sounds like she can hold her own in a game of Charades, so competitors, beware! Happy reading!
Throughout this chapter, the authors discuss just how essential play is to the learning process. One of the best ways for children to learn is through play. Some of the concepts children acquire by playing are not things that can be easily replicated in a classroom. Problem solving is one of those main concepts, as well as creativity. When kids play they sometimes face problems that they have to figure out on their own. By doing this they gain problem solving skills. Children can also gain motor skill development and language ability through play. Also, if children play together they can learn from one another. Parents can also help their kids play. One of the best things a parent can do is play with their child. However, this chapter suggests that parents follow their child’s lead in play, and not control it. It’s important that the child’s play goes wherever their imagination takes them.
After reading this chapter it made me reflect on my own childhood. As a child, during the summer I was always playing with my sisters. Whether we were riding our bikes around the neighborhood, or outside pretending to be Pocahontas, we were always playing. The most common type of play that we participated in was pretend play. We were always using our imaginations to come up with different scenarios. Between the three of us we were never bored. We always had something to do and someone to play with. Some of my most favorite memories from my childhood are of my sisters and me playing in our backyard. I am incredibly thankful that my parents always encouraged us to play.
Unfortunately, there are some parents who are so concerned with academics that they don’t let their child play. Everything about the child’s life is scheduled for them. Even though academics are important, they should not consume a child’s life. This saddens me because that child doesn’t get to experience the benefits of play. Not only can play be fun, but it lets the child experience things that wouldn’t happen normally in their everyday life. Children are in complete control of their play. It’s the one part of their lives where they make all the decisions. Children have the most amazing imaginations and they should be allowed to explore them.
In today’s world, I think it is harder for kids to just be able to play. There is so much technology around that some kids would rather just sit in front of the TV then go outside and play. Although watching TV and playing video games is fun, I think parents should limit the amount of time children spend doing these things. In my opinion for every hour a child spends doing these things they should spend an hour playing freely. Free play is important for kids to develop their imagination and creativity. It’s also important because it keeps them active and healthy.
In conclusion, play is irreplaceable. Kids need play as much as adults need free time. If kids don’t get the opportunity to play, then they are missing out on gaining important skills. No child should ever be deprived of play. Also there is no such thing as too much play. Children should be happy and healthy, and in order to be those things they need to have playtime in their lives.
You have really done a nice job expressing many reasons why play is so important. And I love that you do not minimize the importance of academics -- as they are important! -- but you seem aware that the proportion of time for play compared to academics should be greater in early childhood. The irony is that if children are provided ample free play time in their early years, they'll do better at academics later. Play will help them learn to be critical, imaginative thinkers who can persist at and even enjoy problem solving -- and these things will help them in academics. Imagine that!
ReplyDeleteI believe that imagination and play are two great roles for children during early childhood. I agree with Caitlin here, when she says that play is an important area to focus on at such a young age. Parents do need to take the focus off these academics and flash cards for babies. This blog reminds me of my CFS 37 class I took over the summer. I was able to watch the kids in the preschool downstairs in the FFS building explore their imaginations everyday. My favorite time was when the boys would drag me to the kitchen area and sit me down at the tiny play table and make me pretend food. They would hand me imaginary food and tell me what it was and to eat it. I was able to let the child take control in the play as I participated and watched them learn and grow each day. Play is really a great thing for children and I believe this is the most effective way our kids can learn at such a young age. The academics will come later during grade school; even then play takes a big role in the learning aspect.
ReplyDeleteNicole Duff
I agree with the authors when they talk about the importance of play in a child’s life. Before studying child development I never stopped to think about the importance of play. Play teaches sharing, problem solving, and creativity. Like the book said, play also helps develop fine and gross motor skills. I also find it sad when parents are overly interested in academics and after school programs. I know many children that get up early each morning to go to school; after school they have sports; after sports they have homework; after homework they eat dinner; then it is time for bed. When is their time to relax or play? Children are becoming overly stressed because they do not get time to relax and play.
ReplyDelete-Allyson Loucks-
I agree that play is irreplaceable. I remember being a child and playing outside all day long. I would wake up on weekends and get ready as fast as I could so that I could go outside and play. My mom would have to beg me to take baths on the weekend. I didn't even want to spend the small amount of time taking a bath because I just wanted to be outside playing. Over the summer I was a nanny for my cousins. I could not get them to go outside and play. Neither of my cousins wanted to ride bikes or do outside activities. When one of my cousins was given roller blades she didn't even have the strength to keep her legs straight, her ankles would roll in. It was shocking to me that because of how little she plays outside she has hardly any gross motor muscles in comparison to me when I was her age. I feel this is caused by the type of play that this generation’s children participate in. I don't care what anyone says, Wii's do not give children the same type of strength and physical development that going outside and riding bikes, roller blading and playing does.
ReplyDeleteAmy Wilson