The Role of Play in Child Development - 3511 Words

What is play? Play is â€Å"a recreational activity; especially the spontaneous activity of children.† (Webster, 2010) Play is such a basic function and daily routine in a child’s life. Although the roles of play and the types of play change though age, it all incorporates in the growth and development of a child. When you think of play you don’t really think about or realize how important it really is in a child’s life. It consists of five elements, and these elements are the make-up and the meaning of play. The first element is that it is pleasurable and enjoyable. This means it must be fun! In order for it to be considered play, there must be a fun and enjoyable element to it. Play also has no extrinsic goal which means it is engaged for†¦show more content†¦Although these are not the basic types of play, they are commonly seen among children and easily spotted in their play styles. Along with the many types of play, there are also a few functions of play. One of the functions of play is the ability to master anxieties and conflicts. Playing can relieve tension because of the relaxed setting and atmosphere. This also helps with coping with problems. Building with blocks and knocking them down is a great example of how play can relieve tension. This is fun and it lets the child show emotion. Another function of play is that it can work off excess energy. This is especially useful and important with children with ADHD. They have symptoms of hyperactivity and inability to concentrate, so play can help improve these issues by getting energy out and relieving any anxieties or tensions. Any kind of play can help children work off frustration and cope with their feelings. This is a form of play therapy. It is a simple way of kicking back and relaxing; doing something you enjoy. This can mean so many things such as coloring or playing with play doh. Play can also improve cognitive development because children can play in a relaxed environment and manner. This allows creativity, exploration, and independence comes into effect. When new things are being discovered, this is an open end learning opportunity. Lastly, play can help with children’sShow MoreRelatedExploring How Psychologists Study the Role of Play in Child Development2367 Words   |  10 PagesExploring How Psychologists Study the Role of Play in Child Development Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, New Edition, 1995 defines â€Å"play† as: â€Å"[Children] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often together or with toys.† Play is one of the most powerful vehicles children have for trying out and mastering new social skills, concepts and experiences. Psychologists, such as Faulkner (1995), present evidence that play is seen as a mean of developing social Read MoreEvaluation of a Childs Toy in Relation to the Theories of Play1619 Words   |  7 PagesThe theories of play that will be referred to are Jean Piaget’s, Lev Vygotsky’s and George Herbert Mead’s theories. The Toy that will be assessed is; PlushPups, family bigmouth hand puppets. The puppet set has a suggested age range of three and over. This is a conventional puppet set which contains 6 characters; mum, dad, daughter, son and grandparents. An advantage of this toy is that there are no specific ways to play with it; it can be used in any way the child wants to play. Traditionally theRead MoreThe Role Of Parents, Siblings And Peers Essay1708 Words   |  7 PagesThe Roles that parents, siblings and peers play in children’s development The roles of parents, siblings and peers on children’s development could be understood and evaluated. Gelb, C., Leibowitz (2010). 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This paperRead MoreIn The Case Of Play, There Has Being A Long Time, Been813 Words   |  4 PagesIn the case of play, there has being a long time, been misunderstood as the opposite of work or something not serious. Actually, using play to mentor children does not mean the curriculum is not professional and beneficial. In contrast, it means cherishing children and respecting the nature of learning at their age. In fact, play is essential for children’s development and for their learning life skills. 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According to the Center for Health Education, Training and Nutrition Awareness, â€Å"Play is child’s work†; this is true because it is a child’s job is to learn and develop in their first few years of life, in order for them to do this, they play (CHETNA). Not only is playing a child’s full time job, the United Nati ons High Commission for Human Rights listed play as a right of every child (Ginsburg)