...Georgina Whitman 1/20/11 Play Play is something universal that can be done anywhere, at any time, and at any age. It is one of those things that have no language barrier. But what kind of play is the most important? After reading three articles that deal with different kinds of play such as deep play, play at work, and children’s play, otherwise known as child’s play, I believe G. Stanley Hall’s “The Story of a Sand Pile” shows that children’s play just may be the most important. Compared to deep play and play at work, children’s play seems to have no disadvantages or repercussions. Children’s play also can shape kids’ creativity and imagination. But what these three different types of play have in common is the fact that they bring everyone closer together. In “Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight” the Balinese men use cocks in a type of play called cockfighting. A cockfight is a type of blood sport in which two cocks are put into an arena to duke it out against one another. The winner is obviously the last one standing. But what good comes out of this type of play? Although there are winners in these types of sports or any sport for that matter, losers are present also. The loser is often the one who is left with the repercussions. They have to deal with their emotion after the loss as well as scrutiny from others. This may be something hard to cope with as they are not used to this kind of thing. That is why child’s play is much better and more important. When...
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...21st century scholars consider that “free-play” (Bruce, T., 2006) has significant short and long term benefits for children, leading to a healthy psychical and emotional development and better understanding of the world (Bjorklung & Pellegrini in Papalia, Olds & Feldman, 2010). This article will cover an explanation of the concept of play, from different perspectives, together with its characteristics and types, taking into account the latest findings in the child development literature on the impact and benefits of play. I will also examine how play facilitates and is impacted by the child’s physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional and social development during the first six years of life and how adults can support play. Drawing from the works of Moyles (2005), Bruce (2006), Mcleod-Brudenell and Kay (2008), MCI (undated), Goldschmeid & Jackson (2009) and Wood & Attfield (2005), play is a freely chosen process in which children engage with their already acquired knowledge, values and skills, and which has as end result, although not direct purpose, the development or refinement of further lifelong physical, socio-emotional and cognitive skills. It is a natural inclination (Moyles, 2005), a creative attitude in which the child attains a degree of independence supported by the representations of his inner and outer worlds (Wood & Attfield, 2005). There are several characteristics of play. First of all, play is child chosen and spontaneous (Wood &...
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...Play is known as the universal language of every child. Children understand each other through play and make sense of the world around them. Children learn so much from play. It teaches them social skills such as sharing, taking turns, self discipline and tolerance of others. Children's lives are enhanced by playing creatively and they learn and develop as individuals. Children like to play as there is no "right way" or "wrong way", they can use their imagination to develop games and interact with each other without being in an adult-led environment. While watching my daughters (ages 4 & 2) playing with their toys, and seeing how careless and free they seem, they remind me the memories of my childhood. I can still memorize those careless days and happy games with my siblings & friends. I completely agree that these years are the most joyful time in one's life. It is free of concerns and money matters; it's just a never-ending free time. Ah! When I was a child the world seemed to be a place of joy and happiness to me. There was nothing worth worrying about. As a child there were certain toys that I played with a lot more than other toys that I had. There were many toys that I absolutely loved and that I might have played with a few times and then they were left alone, most of them were dolls. Having four younger siblings (two sisters & two brothers) meant that I always had someone to play with. We pretty much loved the same toys since we were always playing together. The things...
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...Play areas are spots where youngsters' play can take off and thrive. Great open air play areas are sufficiently substantial and composed in a manner that kids' play can come to full expression, where kids can make a wreck, run, hop and stow away; where they can yell, shriek and investigate the regular world. An assortment of elements decides the nature of a play area for youthful youngsters from newborn children to eight-year-olds. These incorporate the configuration of the play territory - wellbeing issues, play hardware, availability, and grown-up supervision. When growing up I adored playing outside, in the nearby stop or being taken to numerous nation parks by my dad. I class myself as being fortunate to have experienced childhood in an...
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...The play space is not school, and whilst learning may be an important playwork priority, what is even more important is how the child learns and whether s/he retains control over prioritising what is learnt. Play is a process of trial and error in which the error is as valuable to learning as is the success. Within playwork we generally define play as behaviour which is 'freely chosen', 'personally directed' and 'intrinsically motivated' (Hughes, 1984). The definition is seen as having authenticity by playworkers because it recognises not only the child-centredness of play, but its experimental nature (Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1967, 1970). (Hughes, 2001, p. 97) Playwork, as defined in Bonel and Lindon (1996) as 'managing the play environment and providing the resources which enable children's play' (p. 15), for example, by identifying and emphasising play as a powerful biological force which, I believe may only be subsumed into any particular social model at the expense of the children it is attempting to serve. (Hughes, 2001, p. xx) Else and Sturrock (1998) get closer, by defining playwork as 'work[ing] with children in the expansion of their potential to explore and experience through play'. (Brown, 2002, p. 81) Adult supervisors need to be trained observers who understand how to guide children when needed and who are wise enough to then stand back and let children play. While we take precautions to provide safe, challenging, stimulating playgrounds, we understand that risk is inherent...
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..."JUST PLAYING." For, you see, I'm learning as I play, About balance, I may be an ARCHITECT someday. When I'm getting all dressed up, Setting the table, or caring for the babies, Don't get the idea I'm "JUST PLAYING." I may be a MOTHER or FATHER someday. When you see me up to my elbows in paint, Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, Please don't let me hear you say, "He is JUST PLAYING." For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I just might be a TEACHER someday. When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some "PLAYING" at my school, Please don't feel the time is wasted in "PLAY." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate I may be in BUSINESS someday. When you see me cooking or tasting foods, Please don't think that because I enjoy it, It is "JUST PLAY." I'm learning to follow directions and see the differences. I may be a CHEF or a RESTAURATEUR someday. When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body, Please don't say I'm "JUST PLAYING." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works. I may be a DOCTOR, NURSE, or ATHLETE someday. When you ask me what I've done at school today. And I say, "I JUST PLAYED." Please don't misunderstand me. For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I'm preparing for tomorrow. TODAY, I AM A CHILD AND MY WORK IS PLAY. ~~~Author...
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...In the article, "The Importance of Play," (September 2009) published in the early childhood education journal entitled Zero to Three, Stephanie Powers illustrates that children in our present time are not being immersed in enough forms of child-centered play. With the technology in use and the push for structured education in even our preschools these days, children seem to be missing out on a vital form of learning: imaginative playtime. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), play is described as an inalienable right, not to be disturbed. Children thrive and gain knowledge from engaging in play with peers, caregivers, and family. One of the best ways to teach a child is through the experience they recieve each time a loved one devotes...
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...The Doctor in Spite of Himself: The Doctor in Spite of Himself is a play that I had previously studied in France like many of Molière’s plays. I thought that it was ironic for me to go see the play for the first time in theatre in the United States. I was really looking forward to hear how the actors would pronounce the characters’ French names, which are rather exotic even for me. I think that because I had previously studied Molière’s work in class, I was expecting this play to be performed in a much more traditional style. I was a little disconcerted at first when seeing the actors performing a more modern version than what I had in mind. I ended up liking what Arne Zaslove has done with the play. In my opinion, modernizing it a little makes it easier to relate to the characters. However, mostly I think due to language barrier, I found the play really hard to follow which made it less enjoyable for me. When it comes to acting, I thought that, overall, all the actors did a great job playing their characters. None of them ever looked at specific members of the audience while performing. I liked the way they used hand gestures or lowering their voice to address the audience. I particularly liked the acting skills of the actors playing Géronte, Lucinde and Léandre. I thought that they had the best elocution compared to other actors; they were speaking in a loud and clear way, articulating each word which made it easier for me to understand. To me the other actors’ enunciations...
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...Literature Review Page 9 Abstract Children’s freedom to play outdoors and have no limitations is somewhat controversial in this day in age. There are numerous views whether outdoor play is actually beneficial or not, when it comes to discussing children’s learning and development. In recent government documents such as The Early Years Foundation Stage (2012), references are made about outdoor play and its importance for children regardless of the weather. Potentially, there is an adventure to be made every day when a child takes the classroom outside, and no where offers more potential. Allowing parents and practitioners to learn about the advantages of risk taking but also explore the big wide world can help children gain a better insight and knowledge of world they live in. The outdoor area changes with the seasons therefore presented with more spontaneous challenges resulting in developing the children holistically. This research study is small scale and intends to focus on the importance of outdoor play for young children but also investigate what knowledge and understanding both parents and practitioners have on the chosen subject. The case study will be carried out within a day nursery setting. The researcher intended to gain a wider understanding of the chosen topic – outdoor play, and the views of this within the setting but also see how the setting responds to the Government framework The Eely Years...
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...Ana analysis of the play Heartbreaker Name Institution Date Introduction The play Heartbreaker is a fictitious story done by Michael Golamco. It features two main characters, Vithy, who is a sixteen year old teenager and her elder sister Ra who is aged twenty two years. The play takes place in a solemn setting down in a small apartment bedroom. The room does not contain a lot of things; it is empty except for some few basic properties that make a bedroom. They events of the play take place at Long Beach in the California region. Michael Golamco has used the story in bringing out loneliness as a theme in the play and its consecutive results in the people affected by it. The play has some points as its plot develops where the instances of loneliness are stressed. It has been revealed either in a manner where the affected expresses it directly or in a way that the audience or the reader has to imply it indirectly. This theme is so diverse in the play and one is able to identify it even as it exists in isolations in the play. Throughout the play, Golamco has portrayed Vuthy as the character to portray this theme. Vuthy has featured in a number of scenarios where he has expressed his concern for the loneliness he is experiencing. Perhaps as a result of his own action or probably, as a situation he had no option as it was natural. One of the instances where this has been pictured is when Ra tries her best not to have her brother, Vuthy, to go with her. She tries to...
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...THA 100 12 December 2013 Final Play Contributions A play consists of many contributions. These contributions come from the people that make up the entire production. In our production “Kidnapped,” every person played a significant role in the overall success. As a team, we created a play that shows the serious and funny aspects of theatre. Working with everyone in my group has been absolutely amazing. Everyone put in an equal amount of effort and it made everything flow in a positive way. I believe that my contributions to the play helped the production run smoothly. The overall theme of the production revolves around a game called “kidnapped.” This game consists of someone getting picked up and dropped off in a random location to be later picked up after they have struggled to find out where they are. My brother and I came up with this concept. We wanted to do this because we really liked the game “a Game’s Afoot.” That play revolved around a murder mystery. Therefore, we decided to copy that same idea and make it our own. By taking this overall theme, we decided to use the fact that my brother and I are twins. By using this advantage, we added a background story to the theme and a little bit of organized confusion. My role in this production was to be the twin that was “kidnapped” and thrown into the woods. After I am dropped off into the woods, I realize that I do not want to play the game. When I pull out my phone to call my friends to get me out of the woods, I discover...
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...The Need for Active Play in Children According to Tamara Baluja in the report, “Parental Fear Contributing to Sedentary Lifestyle of Canadian Children” in the Globe and Mail, Canadian children are losing an important part of their lives- active play (Baluja, Tamara). This ‘loss’ is said to come from parents’ fear of letting their children play outside. Surprisingly, parents are allowing children to spend most of their free time on screen play. Many reports stated that most children were spending nearly eight hours a day on screen play, while only 3 hours a week were sacrificed to active play. Although the report states that the danger of letting children play outside is no more than it was a generation ago, approximately 56% of Canadian parents...
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...The importance of play Young children’s play is directly or indirectly appointed to their experiments, activities, experiences and events. The essay illustrates the attitude of play in different perspectives and how they links to Te whariki. The comparison of Sri Lanka socio cultural perspective and one of New Zealand socio cultural perspective describes follows. In the summary, the learning outcome referring to examples will be talk about. The definitions of play have stated many theorists. During the 20th century, children’s plays have been closely observed by theorists. Play defines as playing and growing are parallel roads to life. Playfulness describes the child’s creativity and action. Through play a child acquire self reliance to represent of his inner and outer worlds. (Wood, & Attfield, 2005). That children “learn through play” is a concept that has established to show the importance of play. It is the belief that play is necessary for a healthy grow and development. Play literate states that children declare their current interests and needs through play activity. Children control the environment, materials to acquire skills to going after exploration and practice. (Piaget, 1962). Play provided an ideal way of observe children’s natural interests, behaviours and moods. The children learn when they are ready. It describes the importance of choice of a child, and that ready is to understand to adults that the child is ready to early learning. The essential...
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...Play Observation Paper Play between all organisms is an action that has been observed by many theorists over time. These theorists have depicted the play of individuals in different environments and have drawn conclusions about play. This project presented me with the opportunity to observe a scenario of children playing and break apart the details to determine what really is happening. I chose to analyze the Baby-Sitting video of two young sisters playing while their mother is videotaping. The older sister is 7, and the younger sister is 7 and her name is Brianna. They have chosen to play house. Their indoor play area includes a toy kitchen, a toy dining area, a baby doll, and other nonrelated toys around them. The big sister is acting as a mother with a baby, and Brianna is pretending to be the babysitter. The moral of their play is that the mom is going on a date with her husband and she tells the babysitter what needs to be done for the little baby while the parents are gone. The babysitter then starts to pretend to do the list of things she was told to do, and then the mom returns again. The video of them playing was only 2 minutes; a lot occurred in such a small period of time. The big sister and Brianna seemed to be getting a long just fine, and there is no arguing over who is the mom and who is the babysitter. The big sister chose the roles and Brianna went along with it. Gregory Bateson was very interested in the way play and fantasy is communicated among organisms...
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...What is play? What is play? The word play is usually used to describe the activities of children from babyhood until the early teenage years. There is no neat definition that will cover all the meanings given by parents, early years and playwork practitioners and other adult commentators - let alone how children talk about play when their opinions are invited. Yet there are some common themes: • Play includes a range of self-chosen activities, undertaken for their own interest, enjoyment and the satisfaction that results for children; • Very young children, even babies, show playful behaviour when they explore sound and simple actions and experiment with objects of interest; • Play activities are not essential to meet basic physical survival needs. But play does seem to support children's emotional well being as well as a wide range of learning within their whole development; • Children can play alone, but often they play with other children and with familiar adults. Even very young children engage in simple give-and-take or copying games with their peers, older siblings or with adults; • A playful quality in activities is shown by the exercise of choice, enjoyable repetition and invitation by children to others to join the play; • Yet children's play can look serious. Players may show great absorption in the activity and disagreements can result from a difference of opinion about how the play should progress. Do all children play? Historical and cross-cultural evidence...
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