Free Play Time

“Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. Children and young people determine and control the content and intent of their play by following their instincts, ideas and interests in their own way and for their own reasons. The child chooses when and how to play and this is seen as a biological drive, essential to health and well-being.”

The relationship between play and learning seems obvious to many child professionals and parents, and yet there are still lack of understanding surrounding the importance of children's play. Some people believe that children need to "work" not play, and that playing serves no useful purpose in a learning and development environment. This is surprising considering that play, with its high levels of motivation and potential enjoyment empowers children (as well as people

This assignment is all about play and learning for children and young people. Play is engaging in an activity for enjoyment and pleasure however can also be used for learning purposes and development in children and young people. Play activities can be planned by practitioners within the setting or can be free-play, when a child goes off and plays by themselves. Play can be carried out individually or in groups and can also be carried out in different environments such as indoors and outdoors. ‘Research confirms the importance of play for infants in developing children’s brains and minds.’ (http://playtherapy.org.uk/ChildrensEmotionalWellBeing/AboutPlayTherapy/MainPrinciples/PlayDefinition) this is why practitioners encourage young children

As a practitioner, we need to acknowledge how important play and leisure activities can be one of the cruel factor of a child’s development; Throughout my experience I have witnessed play to be extremely important to children’s and young people’s wellbeing and development.

Learning is possible when children are provided a high-quality environment. Early childhood educators will set an environment that promotes curiosity and encourages children to explore their environment. Children are able to learn through hands on experiences. “Hands-on learning is the most effective way young children make sense of their environment and form their own understanding of how the world works” (Browne, 2013. P.130). I believe that children learn through play. “Play is a natural way for children around the world to express themselves and is a basic need of children throughout their school year” (Browne, 2013. P.132). We can effectively provide this environment by emphasizing on providing children a

This document examines the current research as well as the views from theorists such as Vygotsky who believe that play supports children in all areas of development (CMEC, 2012). When children are playing they are learning and discovering a great deal of information about their world. In the document it provides information about the scientific evidence supporting learning through play and the benefits that it has on brain development (CMEC, 2012). It has been proven that children will develop better social, emotional and cognitive skills when they are playing (CMEC, 2012). Through play children are able to make sense of their world and acquire and practice skills that they can use for their entire lives. In the document that the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada released it emphasizes the need for children to play and to be actively engaged in their environment (CMEC, 2012). This documents states that early childhood educators should plan and create play- based learning experiences for children (CMEC, 2012). I think it is important that early childhood educators recognize the importance in play based learning and provide children with experiences that encourage them to challenge and expand their own thinking and

Like the top article states "Play time is important for kids." it does help the young kids and teens get into better shape because the health issue of sitting can be major. The kids need to be restricted until maybe fifteen. Thats in my mind set though i wish my parents would have told me or forced me to go out side because i wouldnt be haveing the health issues im having now. But no matter what happens in the life time your mind is what controls you not anyone else. you can be told to go outside and play but you can just sit there and not listen.

The article continues by describing the potential negative impact restricting children's’ play has on their development. Hyndman provides data from completed research that reports that restricting students’ engagement in creative, unorganized play can lead to lower levels of confidence, increased boredom, and have negative effects on cognitive and social development. Playgrounds that were less restrictive provided students with an opportunity to increase their social engagement and physical activity skills.

School, “ kids deserve playtime; it’s what make them happy.” Sergei relates that it is important for children to have playtime because it is beneficial for their development and happiness. In the article “Taking Play Home: Encouraging Parents to Encourage Play,” by Susan .J Oliver, research finds that most parents (91%) believe play is an important contributor to their children's development and well-being. Both Sergei and Oliver provide evidence that suggest that a parent feels that a child’s playtime is an important aspect in a

Childhood development is very important, people tend to have different opinions on what is best for the developmental process of a child. Some believe organized activities are most important for healthy development, others suggest creative, unorganized play is best. As you continue to read you will hear why it is imortant from both sides of the issue, and why I believe free play is more imortant.

Play is inevitable when it comes to children. Given the right environment and objects (of any sort), children will find a way to play. Jarvis, et al state that educators must offer inspiring, playful environments which include hands-on activities and interesting resources. This will empower children to educate themselves (2009). Along the same line, Wood and Attfield consider that an environment inclusive of varied resources will provide room for growth in their learning and will support the child’s “creativity, inventiveness and originally” (2005, p.231).

In conclusion, it can be seen that free play in the pre-school level does have more advantages and disadvantages. Free play helps children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Free play occurs in different forms but each benefit the child. Whether it be fine motor play, gross motor play, situational/ symbolic, and social play. Free play helps children develop self –confidence in themselves, it also provides growth socially for children to interact with many children. It also promotes cognitive thinking, meta language skills, and developing imagination skills. Free play is truly a vital component in pre-school’s it should not be ignored or taken away from children. Educators should focus towards more free play when possible. These

As you drive past a playground, you hear the laughter and loud voices of children. In that exact moment, you may not be aware that they are in fact developing crucial skills that will be utilized throughout their entire life. It seems as if something so simple as playing with peers is incapable of occupying such influential power. Conversely, play-based learning presents endless possibilities and enhancements for children. Encouraging mental growth and providing an environment to do so at a young age is imperative. Children learn in various ways, but play based learning tends to produce higher motivation, as well as implant vital life skills because it provides opportunity for indirect instruction.

Play is an essential part of children life, in order to interact with their peers, as well as learn. Therefore, in all early childhood program, children should be allowed to play. I define play as a way children can express themselves through role play. However, children need to be provided with age appropriate materials that relates to all subjects. According to this author, play is an outlet for the richness of children creativity, as well as a critical part of their childhood. The vital importance of creative play in the children’s healthy development that allows them to grow (Almon, 2002). In early childhood program, parents, teachers and mental health professionals are concern when children do not play (Almon, 2002). However, we

According chapter 12 of the book, Play at the Center of the Curriculum (5th Edition) written by Judith Van Hoorn, Patricia Monighan Nourot, Barbara Scales, Keith Rodriguez Alward, I have learned play can foster children to develop many skills such as physical, cognitive concepts language, social and emotional. In this chapter, these authors discussed the importance of different types of outdoor play such as physically active outdoor play, outdoor nature play, and child-initiated outdoor play. Physically active outdoor play contributes to children’s healthy development because it fosters children physical development including a child’s whole body in practice and skill development. For example, children will run, balance, jump, hop, skip, gallop, walk, climb, swing, skip, throw, catch, grasp, crawl, push, and pull heavy play props. While playing outside, children will learn best when their whole body is engaged in active physical play. In addition, children at play are making sense of the world, and through play children will have enjoyment, self-expression, and social interaction. In this chapter, the authors (2010) also mention that as children play outside, they will have active physical exercise in spontaneous play, they also will experience the cognitive and social demands because physically active play will stimulate children to think, speak, and negotiate with their playmates as well as their teachers. Moreover, physically active outdoor play will help children to