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Play and Early Learning

of family life, democratic living and value of cooperation. Formation of playgroups
in early childhood years is very significant. Usually, children want to form groups of
the same age and gender. This type of group fosters leadership quality, sense of
loyalty and social learning. Notes
Play groups are formed on the basis of children’s shared interests, backgrounds
or activities. In preschool, children form groups simply as playmates. Duration of
these groups change from time to time. Group members should give positive feedback
and engage in low levels of conflict.

Groups can be formed in different sizes: Large group, medium group and small
group.
Large group: Large group is formed for teaching, storytelling, music, dance and
similar activities. The whole class is considered as a large group with children of
a wide range of abilities. For example, circle-time activities are very suitable for

a large group.

Medium group: Since the children are different from each other, their needs are
also different. A larger group can be divided into two or three groups containing
10-12 children. The teacher can help the group which needs more guidance and
supervision. The other groups could be made engaged for free play or some
other outdoor activities that need less guidance and supervision.

If the classroom space is less, children may be divided into two or three groups
and the activities may be done in rotation. For example, one group can play on
outdoor equipment and theme based outdoor activity can be done with another
group. Similarly, collage activity can be given in two or three groups.

Small group:-Small groups are formed when individual attention and guidance
are needed,. This group contains less than six children. Children work in pairs or
small groups of three to five children work together to complete a specific task.
There should be separate areas to play for different groups and children from one
group should not interfere in the activities of the other group. If needed, one can
switch to another group.

Children undergo many developmental changes at every stage of their life. Play
activities will also change according to that. As age increases, aimless play will
become purposeful. Teachers and parents working with children should know about
these changes and act accordingly. Each child develops physically, socially,
emotionally and intellectually and these developments will be different for different
children. Food, exercise, types of play and the environment are factors which
affect the development of children. Therefore, it is the responsibility of teachers

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 27