Page 17 - LESSION 11.pmd

Play and Early Learning

environment, facilities and activities must be assessed on the basis of curriculum
goals.

Notes Teacher as an organiser: As a teacher, the first and the most important duty is to
organise and prepare a playful environment for children. The teacher should
provide the materials and equipment for meaningful play activities. The class
room and the outdoor area should be arranged in a safe, happy and healthy
atmosphere. There is no doubt that the atmosphere should be interesting,

challenging and motivating.

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

In this lesson, you have learnt that:

• Play is very important for learning skills during the early childhood period.

• Play has a very prominent role in the overall development of children. Hence,
children should be allowed to engage in different play activities with
developmentally appropriate play materials.

• Different philosophers and psychologists have proved the importance of play
through their studies and experiments.

• Teachers, parents and administrators should try to provide age appropriate
indoor and outdoor facilities at home and school.

• School readiness of children can be fostered only through play. It is the duty

of the teachers to give proper guidance at proper places.
• Activities and play materials should be designed and arranged according to the

developmental needs of children.

• Teachers play an imperative role in making play meaningful and purposeful.
Teachers proper direction affects the quantity and quality of play.

• Thematic approach in devising play activities according to the age and interest
of children provides first -hand concrete experiences.

• Since children learn, grow and develop through play, activities should be
based on play to cover all domains of development namely, cognitive, affective
and psychomotor.

32 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION