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The impact of play on childrens development
Key Aspects of Play in Early Education essay
Importance of play in early childhood education: theory
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'How young children learn is a significant contributing factor to learning science’ (Fleer, 2013). To develop scientific literacy in children, we must first teach science in an effective way. The pedagogy of play has been seen as a valued pedagogical tool in developing this literacy and understanding of science. ‘Play has been seen as the central concept that underpins this area of teaching. Play is child-determined and is centered on the child’s meaning made through free expression (Fleer, 2013). By educators incorporating play and applying it to scientific concepts related to everyday situations, it will inevitably help children learn and relate the reality to their world (Chahal, 2011).
Science K-10 Syllabus:
The New South Wales Board
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‘All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation’ (EYLF, 2009). The pedagogy of play is conveying that children are able to independently explore their learning to develop an understanding of science. The framework shows specific play-based learning. Educators are recognized in EYLF as additional guidance, who work directly with the child if need be. Working in partnership, sharing sense of responsibility and commitment to education. The framework views children’s lives as characterized by ‘belonging’ which means being part of a group, family or community; ‘being’, living in the now and understanding how you are positioned, accepted and valued in the world and ‘becoming’, the growth, development and adaption to new situations for children. Each of these characteristics are important for laying down foundations for children. From these characteristics learning outcomes have been identified. These include: the child develops identity; the child connects and contributes to the world; the child has a sense of wellbeing; the child is a confident and involved learner who communicated effectively (EYLF, 2009). It is due to this, that the Early Years Learning Framework is vital for all educators when assessing how to teach science in an appropriate and meaningful
Many theorists have tried to define play as a concept, however, no two agree on a set definition. Their backgrounds and induvial lifestyles influence the way they see the importance of play. Reed and Brown also believe that there isn’t an agreed definition of play because is something that is felt rather than done (Reed & Brown, 2000 cited in Brock, Dodd’s, Jarvis & Olusoga, 2009). In spite of this, it is clear that most theorists uphold the ethos that play is imperative to a child’s learning and development. There is a wide range of different studies and theories which helps us develop our own perception of what play is. In my personal experience I have found play to be a way of expressive our emotions, exploring and learning new things, thus
Early childhood teachers often say that “play is a child’s work” while some parents ask ‘Did my child just play all day?’” (Rice 1). Many people do not realise how important play is and what role it plays in the development of their children. Teachers provide opportunities for children to have spontaneous, unstructured child-initiated play experiences by providing stimulating materials to “enhance and entice children into play” (Rice 2). These materials include loose parts and are open-ended and spark creativity by providing children opportunities to think, plan, and carry out their play (Rice 2). Limited learning may take place if teachers do not make play easier and maximize the benefits (Rice 2). Teacher support is also a necessary component
Interestingly it was through this process of sharing our professional experiences that we established the central idea of our exhibition. We had determined that the importance of play in the Early Years was a theme that was often debated by parents, colleagues and policy makers. By choosing this as our topic we hoped to have an enhanced understanding of the historical implications of play in Early Years Education, resulting in professional competence and the ability to guide and mentor others on the significance of play. Rodd (1996) endorses this importance of Early Years Professionals having the skills to build, establish and maintain credibility in the fast-changing sector of Early Years.
Dr. Alison Gopnik’s drew the following truth that “children are intellectually more skilled and far more sophisticated in their thinking then we ever imagined”(Gopnik2009). Gopnik also stated preschoolers are extremely well designed for learning. They are naturally curious. They learn through exploring and playing. “The value of play” was also presented in Gopnik’s research. He clarified that when children engage in pretend play, they will have imaginary characters and explore other world. They are learning peoples’ nature, how people think, do, and work. This helps them understand themselves and other people, to improve their social traits or in balancing school, and to increase their social competences in life. Gopnik demonstrated the idea
My desire for children in my care is that their learning journey would be meaningful as they explore the ideas and activities they are interested in. This means that I believe that children are naturally motivated learners and should have the opportunity to learn through their own explorations and through collaboration with other children and educators. I believe this can be done through both teacher-initiated and child-initiated activities and supported through play. I also believe that play is a natural and enjoyable means through which children learn. In my practice I aim to encourage children’s natural ...
Children have a natural inclination to play, alongside a natural instinct to learn and to be curious and inventive, which are characteristics of the human race in general. This quote taken from Janet Moyles is a good starting point for this essay. It is well known that children love to play. If a child were to be left to his/her own devices they would happily play and create new worlds anywhere they were left. It has been well documented and researched that children learn excellently through play. However they are not always given the opportunity to do so, instead being told to, ‘finish your work and then you can go play’. Obviously this is not always the case, but the fact that it is a common practice shows that we do not all fully appreciate the importance of play to children’s learning. This essay will attempt to show how children learn through play, making reference to current theory and practice. I will also give examples from my own first-hand experience of how children learn and develop as people through play.
In life, no action is absent of a reaction. Every effect is linked to a cause, whether seen or unseen and play is no exception. As adults, play is not a foreign concept to us, we just chose not to engage in it and have diminutive space for it reserved in our day-to-day schedules. However, it is essential in the lives of young children.
Introduction Science education is important as scientific exploration in early childhood builds foundations for a deeper understanding of concepts. Eshach and Fried 2005 (cited in Campbell, Jobling & Howitt 2015, p. 11) state that by providing science experiences, children are engaged, stimulated and aspects of development are improved. A range of activities for children to probe understandings is shown in Table 1. Concept Activity Probing method
..., J., & Garzoli, E. (2007, November 11). The Effectiveness of a Play-Based Curriculum in Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from http://teachplaybasedlearning.com/8.html
In life, no action is absent of a reaction. Every effect is linked to a cause, whether seen or unseen and play is no exception. As adults, play is not a foreign concept to us, we just chose not to engage in it and have diminutive space for it reserved in our day-to-day schedules. However, it is essential in the lives of young children. In the moment, the benefits to play are invisible, yet they are there working. Play, like a Newton’s cradle, remains stationary while not in use and the energy remains in a potential state waiting to be activated. Now, imagine the Newton’s cradle as you are pulling back the first ball. The first ball is play in a child’s life, and the other balls are potential benefits.
It is important for children to be able to develops the necessary skills to make sense of data, memorising information is no longer the most key skill for children to possess (Inquiry-based learning, n.d.). Inquiry-based learning is defined by Lutheran Education Queensland (n.d.) as seeking for truth, information or knowledge and understanding and is used in all aspects and stages of life. Inquiry based learning assists children with learning by developing critical and creative thinking skills. The twenty-first century requires “young people to be creative, innovative, enterprising and adaptable, with the motivation, confidence and skills to use critical and creative thinking purposefully” (ACARA, 2016b). According to Touhill (2012a) Inquiry-based learning is supported when educators are co-learners with children as they develop, supporting and extending on a child’s own attempts at understanding. This knowledge can be broadened by ensuring that children have the time, space and resources to become deeply involved in their investigations and there are opportunities for reflections during and after activities (Touhill, 2012a). Furthermore, it is imperative that the physical environment contains spaces as well as materials that encourage a child’s curiosity and investigation (Touhill, 2012a). By providing interesting and engaging materials educators are able to provide stimulus for children’s investigation and
Young children by nature are explorer beings and their exploratory play leads to discovery learning that promotes motivation, autonomy, independence and the development of creativity for problem solving skills. Early childhood educators are concerned that a young child’s enquiring mind might be hampered by a curriculum that is rigidly linked to standardized test, and that the learning process experienced by students will be compromised. According to Bruner (1977), learning should serve us in the future and that the knowledge students learned should create skills that can be transfer to later activities.
When children have a new experience they accommodate their existing experience to it and assimilate aspects of the new experience, reconstructing their thoughts in the light of the new experience. By interacting with the environment around them the learners develop new outlooks, evaluate what’s important and possibly changing their perceptions, making mistakes and learning from them. Piaget emphasised on the importance of the children’s direct experience with their environment which prompted schools to take note of this and re-arrange classrooms ensuring plenty of resources and materials were available making play and practical experiences just as
The purpose of early childhood education is to firstly learn about one’s self and agency, how one’s actions can affect and impact others; to develop a sense of identity; who you are and how you fit into this world. Experience a sense of belonging through interactions with peers and teachers whilst celebrating and sharing diverse cultures whilst embracing others. Children need to have opportunities to explore, experiment, to gain insight and knowledge in numeracy, literacy, science and social structure through innovative and richly supported curriculums (DEEWR, 2009). I have very high expectations of all children as I believe that this assists in building self-confidence and
They also need this relationship to be able to plan their lesson effectively. For children, understanding the nature and process of science is dependent upon their developmental level and the experiences teachers provide for them. Children can begin to understand what science is, who does science, and how scientists work through classroom activities, stories about scientists, and class discussions. Teachers should provide children with many opportunities to make observations with all their senses, to look for patterns in what they observe, and to share with others what they did and what they learnt from their