Page 2 - LESSION 11.pmd

Play and Early Learning

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Notes
After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
• discuss what is play;

• explain the importance of play;
• distinguish between the different types of play;

• explain how play develops;
• identify suitable equipment and material for indoor and outdoor play; and

• identify developmentally appropriate play based activities across domains.

11.1 DEFINING PLAY
Children’s play can be defined in many ways but we can say that it is a creative
process in which a child uses the mind and body free from externally imposed
goals. It is often said that play is a child’s chosen act or engagement with objects,
peers or just with themselves. Play provides opportunity to explore, experiment
and experience in non-threatening ways. Play, as described by Piaget, consists of
responses repeated purely for functional pleasure. As children grow, play has rules
and regulations, which are imposed by the players for their own convenience.
On the other hand, Froebel considered play as highly serious and of deep
significance, not something trivial.

Following are some definitions of play:

Joyful, spontaneous, and creative activity in which man finds his Ross
fullest expression.

Instinctive practice, without serious intent of activities that will Gross
later be essential to life.

A free, self contained activity that has an inherent goal, that is Stern
initiated, and directed by intrinsic motivation, and that provides
satisfaction from the activity of playing itself.

Resembles the unending activity of the flowing stream or the Montessori
growing tree. Play is the work of the child.

Any activity that is directed towards an end other than enjoyment Hurlock
cannot be rightly called play.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 17