Play

One important context of learning is a child learning through play. Hayes D (2011) states that play is essential for the development within a child. Further evidence provided by Duffy (1998) argues that children play to create imaginative situations (e.g. playing shops) by using the most of resources and conditions around them which is done by their own accord.

Play consists of four main characteristics which have been provided by Smidt (2006) these being that play is what the child wants to do; a child wants to play with certain materials and create something that they want to. The second characteristic being that play is pleasurable, therefore the child enjoys what they are doing and will adapt certain things to make it unique and individual to them. The third characteristic is that there is no risk of failure in what the child is doing. Each child has a reason why they do a certain action; therefore regardless to what materials the child is using, they have logic behind doing it, they are still learning. The final characteristic is that play is the valued for its importance on children to learn. Therefore the teachers within the school setting emphasise its importance to both pupils and parents to make them realise how a child’s development will develop through this process.

The Welsh Assembly Government (2008) state that there are a number of reasons for the purpose of play, these being, it motivates and stimulates the child, develops a variety of different skills and concepts, develops language and communication, concentration, a positive attitude towards learning and consolidates learning.

It is believed that there are different stages to when a child learns, however each child is individual and unique, therefore some children will develop at different stages at different times, and this is all part of their development.

The Welsh Assembly Government (2008) further believe that through play, transferable skills are developed among the child which apply across all the seven areas of learning. Again this is a benefit as the skills which young children do development continue to develop with the more they learn and gain knowledge and experience.

Leong D and Bodrova E (2005) argue that there need to be opportunities present where children are able to interact with their peers and feel comfortable with the make-believe play around individuals. This hugely supports the importance of the key skills which are developed during play.

The reason I have included this video is because it defines the importance of play and states that ‘children’s play is their work’, which I feel is important to realise, to both the child and the parents. The video shows how planning is carefully prepared for each day and they plan the activity first before they decide on the early year goal, and how this goal will be met in each individual. The small clips which is within the video show the importance of each activity and how a child is able to freely move around each activity to what he wants to do. We then see that the teacher is letting the children give their own answers and learn from any mistakes that they do give, instead of dictating the information that she needs the children to know.

From my experience, I believe that play is an important concept of a child’s development. I feel that not only do they learn, but they also pick up interests which they enjoy. To a child, play is fun, they do not realise that at the same time they are picking up a variety of new things which they will use in their everyday life and their knowledge and experience within a specific area will further develop.

This picture shows a parent's view on children playing, however, the children are explaining the different skills that they are developing.