Unit 8 Leisure and Play Study Sheet PDF
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Trent University
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Summary
This study sheet discusses the importance of play and leisure for children, emphasizing its impact on their development. It also looks at societal implications and the contrast between traditional and contemporary views. No specific exam board or year is identified, so it is not deemed a past paper.
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Unit 8: Leisure and Play - Study Sheet 1. Importance of Play and Leisure Leisure: Unpaid, meaningful activities (e.g., hobbies, sports, travel). ○ Associated more with adults but relevant for children, though with less freedom. Play: Often viewed as a child’s activity. ○ Ma...
Unit 8: Leisure and Play - Study Sheet 1. Importance of Play and Leisure Leisure: Unpaid, meaningful activities (e.g., hobbies, sports, travel). ○ Associated more with adults but relevant for children, though with less freedom. Play: Often viewed as a child’s activity. ○ Maria Montessori: “Play is the child’s work.” ○ Five characteristics (Rubin et al., 1983): 1. Intrinsically motivated, self-chosen, and freely quit. 2. Means are more valued than ends. 3. Pleasurable. 4. Nonliteral/make-believe. 5. Actively engaging. 2. Evolutionary Need for Play Universal to all animals; elicits “good feeling” hormones. Essential for brain development and functioning. 3. Westernized Notions of Play Play is monitored and controlled by adults to foster competence and safety. Implications: Limits risky, free, and spontaneous play. 4. Fear 1: Is “Play” Gone? Shift to adult-managed, structured play. Safety concerns limit outdoor and unsupervised play. Children’s outdoor play spaces are diminishing (Tandy, 1999): ○ Only 25% of children play outdoors compared to 80% of their parents. 5. Spaces of Play Neighborhood Differences (Loebach, 2013): ○ Newer subdivisions: Minimal outdoor play due to lack of spaces. ○ Working-class neighborhoods: More outdoor play areas. ○ Gated communities: Safe, well-maintained play areas. ○ Low-income areas: Children often play in streets and parks. Barriers to Play: ○ Urban design prioritizing vehicles over child-friendly spaces. ○ Legal repercussions for parents allowing free play 6. Fear 2: Media Replacement Concern: Media use replaces traditional play and increases vulnerability. Paradox: Children are kept in sight for safety but are monitored for media use, creating restricted play opportunities. 7. Organized Play Focus on preparing children for adulthood: ○ Leisure time filled with educational or developmental activities. ○ 86% of Canadian children (6-17 years) participate in extracurriculars (Statistics Canada, 2000/2001). ○ Gender differences noted in types of activities. ○ Higher participation among urban, two-parent, and higher-income households. Reflection Question: Who is excluded from organized play? 8. Children’s Rights to Play Article 31: Recognizes children’s right to leisure, play, and cultural activities. Question: Do societal restrictions infringe on children’s rights to play?
