Page 7 - LESSION 11.pmd

Play and Early Learning

There are certain patterns and sequence in play behaviour that children display
as they grow.

Notes Play in First Two Years

Sensorimotor play, play with objects, symbolic and social play with adults are
the main types of infant play. Play at this age is rooted in the movement of the
body and discovering the possibilities with movement of hands and feet.

Sensorimotor play occurs when there is repetition of sensory or motor activity.
Chilren do so for their happiness. As they approach one year of age, their interest
moves to the surroundings as they can move on their own and become familiar
with others.

Play with an object starts at four to five months because, by this time, children has
acquired eye-hand coordination and can grasp things around .
Symbolic play starts after the first year. The process of substituting one object
for the other is very common. For example, using a wooden piece as a telephone
receiver.

In the second year, object play reaches maturity. Differentiating objects according
to their size and shape is a noticeable change during these year. Social play with
adults starts after the age of one and a half year. Playing with peer groups and

other family members continues for the next few years.

Ages 2 to 5
During this period, all play becomes more purposeful. The size of the group for
social play increases and the play becomes challenging with cooperation and
compromise. Play and play mates become more selective, and selection is done
according to their interest on the basis of age and gender.

Parallel play and solitary play are two special varieties of play observed in children
after two years of age. Solitary play means playing alone and parallel play means
independent play in the same play and in the same group. Amount of time spent
for make-believe play (symbolic) increases at this period. Dramatic play is the
feature of this age group. In dramatic play, children play the role of a shopkeeper
or a family member.

Ages 5 to 12

At this age, children enter elementary school. The play pattern becomes more
systematic and regulated. The strength of make believe play reduces gradually
and play becomes logical and rule dominated. They start to play competitive and
serious games with rules like basketball and football . The number of participants
(at least two) and their behaviour are controlled by some strict rules and group
norms.

22 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION