Play is an important concept in a child’s process of learning. It is through play a child experiments, by experimenting the child’s discovers, by discovering the child gains its own knowledge and understanding. Understanding what you learnt is an important part of learning which helps put knowledge into practice.
Throughout the education system play can be found concerned more with the foundation stage and phase, reception and a little in the lower years of primary school. It is at a child’s early years in which the child learns the most through doing, watching and copying from others actions . There have been many theorists who had their own beliefs and ideas on how a child learns and what benefited them most at certain ages. One particular theorist, Jean Piaget believed children to be “lone scientists”. He thought it was important for children to learn and discover new things by themselves as its helps with their understanding of process which they can later put into practice. It is because of this view Piaget received a criticism. Many believed he underestimated a child ability at some ages and over estimated their ability at others.This is an important process however this is not the case at all times, children need some guidance for example if a mistake is made they need to be corrected to know the right way instead of continuing to carry out the wrong way.
There are many benefits other than knowledge children can gain through play. Play can help with a child’s social development, to play with others communication is needed. Through play children seem to find the confidence to communicate and get more involved than they would otherwise. E.g. In role play children are allowed to explore different roles and emotions, and how to express them. Role play also helps build on the child's creativity by using their imagination. Physical development is also seen through play, apart from keeping them healthy and fit through active play, play can also help them gain some important skills. Fine motor skills and gross motor skills are often used through a child’s play. E.g whilst learning to skip or playing simple ball games such as catch. Cognitive development massively evolves through play and is seen as one the most important as it helps their concentration span and memory skills. E.g. colours and shapes are use through many games and puzzles which also builds on their problem solving skills
However, there can be disadvantages to child’s play.Child’s play should be child centred and free choice but in some cases it's structured and planned. If too structured and planned the plays is not so effective and can affect the children in negative ways. If not enough time is being provided for child play over period of time it could start to effect the development of the child’s skill .
Overall, play is important in a child's development whether in school or outside of school. It helps the child progress by gaining important and essential skills and develops existing skills further. I also believe it is important for schools to balance the structured play and child free play so it benefits the child.
Referencing
Lillemyr, O. F. (2009). Taking Play Seriously: Children
and Play in Early Childhood Education-- an Exciting Challenge. United
States of America: IAP.
Image 2 :http://www.ladybirdspreschool.org/
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