Page 11 - LESSION 11.pmd

Play and Early Learning

of objects. It is indeed a challenge to provide range of materials to meet the
varying needs of children. Toys have been classified as:

Notes 1. Toys for physical movement and muscular development
2. Toys for constructive and creative play

3. Toys for dramatic action, imaginative and fantasy play

Toys and materials can have an age graded arrangement. The following chart
will provide you an idea of the possible categorization:

Birth to 2 years 2 years to 4 years 4 years to 6 years

- Climbing frames, swings Old tyres Balance beams
- Sliding objects Jumping pits Water play

- Large balls Kitchen kits Sweeping objects
- Run about and pull-along Blocks Materials for group
toys Picture books games (cricket,
- Animals on wheels, puzzles catch )
wagons and trucks Drawing and
- Boxes with or without painting Swings like slides,
merry-go round
wheels Play material for
- Carts, barrows, push- pull reading and
toys, rocking objects writing

Adapted from (Maisnam, Premlata, & Bhargava, Amita. 2013).

11.5.3: Outdoor Arrangements: Outdoor play are a also needs to be divided for
particular play activities. For example, there has to be concrete pathways for riding
a tricycle; sand-pit area along with the play equipment; water-play area; jungle-
gym area; slide and swing area and spacious green area for running. Outdoor
area should be spacious and not limited. Certain play activities can be performed
both indoors and outdoors.
The outdoor play equipment should be arranged to give more opportunities for
large muscle activities like running, climbing, jumping, sliding, crawling, digging
and swinging. In outdoor play area, some equipment like a jumping pit, swings
and slides may be fixed permanently. These should be in adequate proportion
and accessible to small children. Supervision is very essential for outdoor play
activities. The position of certain equipment can be rearranged according to the
seasonal changes like winter and summer as per the needs and convenience of
the players.

11.5.4: Group and individual play: We have seen that children in the school yard
or neighbourhood often play in groups. The group experience extends the values

26 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION