Early Childhood Development: Stages of Play

Stages of Play

• Play of 3-5 year olds differs from younger children
• Developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood programs are important
• Decisions in early childhood programs should reflect characteristics of development, learning, and interactions
• Environments, materials, experiences, and interactions should be relevant and meaningful

Under Three: Exploration

• Erikson (1950) describes exploration as a challenge for children under age 3
• Trust and autonomy are key development aspects
• Piaget (Peterson & Felton-Collins, 1986) describes the sensorimotor stage, where learning is based on physical experiences
• Neuroscience research shows that newborns' brains are shaped by sensory and movement
• Babies need unrestricted movement and access to various textures and materials (papers, fabrics, balls)
• Toddlers explore through physical action and developing oral language
• Exploration includes interactions with adults and the environment, and communication through experimenting with different objects
• Caregivers should create environments rich in sensory experiences to facilitate exploration and communication skills.
• Caregivers should use child-appropriate language and teach problem-solving.

This quiz covers the stages of play in early childhood, focusing on the differences between 3-5 year olds and younger children. It emphasizes the importance of developmentally appropriate practices and the role of exploration as described by Erikson and Piaget. Key aspects of trust, autonomy, and sensory experiences are highlighted to understand child development better.