Defining Play PDF

Functions of Play Why are children naturally driven to play? What function does it serve the children? defining play Page 1 of 10  FUNCTIONS OF PLAY Play as a result of evolution or biological function...

Functions of Play Why are children naturally driven to play? What function does it serve the children? defining play Page 1 of 10  FUNCTIONS OF PLAY Play as a result of evolution or biological functioning Pre-exercise theory (Groos, 1901) Recapitulation theory (Hall, 1920) Relaxation theory (Patrick 1916) Surplus energy theory (Spencer, 1898) Early philosophical accounts explain spontaneous drive towards play a being the result of evolution or biological functioning: Pre-exercise theory (Groos, 1901) suggests that play behaviour exists as a means of practicing key skills that are essential to adult survival Recapitulation theory (Hall, 1920) suggests that in play, children act out behaviours that were once essential for human survival but are no longer necessary, such as building dens or climbing t rees Relaxation theory (Patrick 1916) suggest that we are driven to play because it involves minimal cognitive demands. Periods of play allows us to relax, storing energy in preparation for more important cognitive activity Surplus energy theory (Spencer, 1898) suggest that play allows us to release excess energy that has not been spent fulfilling survival needs. As children are largely looked after by other, their unspent energy levels are high, resulting in the propensity to play. Providing evidence as to why children seem to have a natural inclination towards play is difficult. It seems likely that there is a combination of reasons as to why play is children’s preferred mode of action. defining play Page 2 of 10 Children certainly seem motivated to explore the world around them and to make sense of their experiences, and the development of their play skills seems to stem from this motivation. defining play Page 3 of 10  Chazan (2002) a broad positive view of the FUNCTIONS OF PLAY: "Playing and growing are synonymous with life itself. Playfulness bespeaks creativity and action, change and possibility of transformation. Play activity thus reflects the very existence of the self, that part of the organism that exists both independently and interdependently, that can reflect upon itself and be aware of its own existence. In being playful the child attains a degree of autonomy sustained by representations of his inner and other worlds" Chazan (2002:198) takes a broad positive view of the FUNCTIONS OF PLAY: "Playing and growing are synonymous with life itself. Playfulness bespeaks creativity and action, change and possibility of transformation. Play activity thus reflects the very existence of the self, that part of the organism that exists both independently and interdependently, that can reflect upon itself and be aware of its own existence. In being playful the child attains a degree of autonomy sustained by representations of his inner and other worlds" defining play Page 4 of 10  FUNCTIONS OF PLAY Children's play as a vehicle for promoting and supporting development of the following: Motor Development involving body postures and large movements. Vision and Fine Movements Hearing and Listening and the Use of Codes of Communication Social Behaviour and Spontaneous Play Educational Research Recognition of children's play as a vehicle for promoting and supporting development. Here are some statements that purports how a child's developmental progress through play: Motor Development involving body postures and large movements. These combine high physical competence and economy of effort with precise forward planning in time and space. Vision and Fine Movements involving competence in seeing and looking (far and near) and manipulative skills, integrating sensory, motor, tactile and proprioceptive activities. Hearing and Listening and the Use of Codes of Communication. Social Behaviour and Spontaneous Play involving competence in organization of the self (i.e. self-identity, self-care and self-occupation), together with voluntary acceptance of cultural standards regarding personal behaviour and social demands. play children learn and develop as individuals but also as members of the wider community (Sheridan, 2000) defining play Page 5 of 10 Social and emotional development. In play, children have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others. They become aware of the impact of their behaviour and develop skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, trust and acceptance. They can try out different ways of dealing with social situations and try on feelings, emotions and social roles. Cognitive development. Play offers opportunities to learn about objects, concepts and ideas: for example, sorting, sequencing, weight and balance. Children develop problem- solving strategies, and the ability to allow one thing to stand for something else (for example, in pretend play) is a precursor to more complex ways of thinking. Language development. Play offers opportunities for the development of language skill in relation to vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence construction and the transmission of meaning and intent. Physical development. Play involves gross and fine motor movements and as such promotes co-ordination and visuo-spatial ability. The increased aerobic activity resulting from sustained active play promotes physical health and fitness in terms of the cardio-vascular system, muscle tone and maintenance of optimum weight. defining play Page 6 of 10  FUNCTIONS OF PLAY Children learn and develop as individuals but also as members of the wider community (Sheridan, 2000) Social and emotional development Cognitive development Language development. Physical development. children learn and develop as individuals but also as members of the wider community (Sheridan, 2000) Social and emotional development. In play, children have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others. They become aware of the impact of their behaviour and develop skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, trust and acceptance. They can try out different ways of dealing with social situations and try on feelings, emotions and social roles. Cognitive development. Play offers opportunities to learn about objects, concepts and ideas: for example, sorting, sequencing, weight and balance. Children develop problem- solving strategies, and the ability to allow one thing to stand for something else (for example, in pretend play) is a precursor to more complex ways of thinking. Language development. Play offers opportunities for the development of language skill in relation to vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence construction and the transmission of meaning and intent. Physical development. Play involves gross and fine motor movements and as such promotes co-ordination and visuo-spatial ability. The increased aerobic activity resulting from sustained active play promotes physical health and fitness in terms of the cardio-vascular system, muscle tone and maintenance of optimum weight. defining play Page 7 of 10  LIFE LONG LEARNING AND PLAY lifelong playing is an important aspect of lifelong learning and well-being If playing and growing are synonymous with life itself, then lifelong playing can be seen as an important aspect of lifelong learning and well-being. In the educational play discourse, play becomes less relevant to children beyond the age of five. Play in school tends to become a distant memory except as organized games and outdoor playtime. defining play Page 8 of 10  Lifelong players contributes to productivity and effective working practices Role-playing techniques as training programs enabling people deal with difficult situations, rehearse strategies and cope with emotional response incentive and reward maintain health and fitness use it or lose it Leisure activities and/or games Beyond childhood, the status pf play is enhanced when it contributes to productivity and effective working practices. Adults are encouraged to use their leisure time productively in playing games to maintain helth and fitness. Role play techniques: used in training programs to enable people deal with difficult situations, rehearse strategies and cope with emotional responses. Play as an incentive and reward for sucessful performance in business. Board games for adults. online Role playing games "use it or lose it' attitude to our brain and bodies. Play and playfulness are this deeply embedded across the lifespan as cultural activities that have a wide variety of meaning and significance. defining play Page 9 of 10  Play and playfulness are deeply embedded across the lifespan as cultural activities that have a wide variety of meaning and significance defining play Page 10 of 10