...Play is a vital part of our lives. In a child’s formative years, play is a powerfull and productive way of learning about the world. When the child grows and develops, the way in which he/she plays changes clearly. In this essay I will explain how and why this change occurs. I will look at how play is defined in different theoretical perspectives and discuss the features and functions of play. I will explain how play is relevant with the child’s degree of maturational development and explain how the child’s physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional and social developments are inter-related through play. I will describe how this maturational development is connected to the child’s ability to engage in increasingly complex and social play. First of all, “what is play?” First of all being a universal feature of human life, it is difficult to define. Wardle defines play as a freely chosen activity which is "non-literal, self-motivated, enjoyable and process oriented. Critical to this definition is the non-literal, non-realistic aspect. This means external aspects of time, use of materials, the environment, rules of the play activity, and roles of the participants are all made up by the children playing. They are based on the child's sense of reality" (Wardle, undated); with the key point being that all aspects of the play are based on the child’s sense of reality. Hughes and King describe play as “a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated”...
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...supporting the development of a child is an important obligation for all carers. The holistic approach to a child’s development seeks to simultaneously address the physical, linguistic, intellectual, social and emotional aspects of a child’s life. The important fact of the holistic approach is that the child is given the ability to learn different things at his/her different stages of development. This essay will explore why play is important for the holistic development of a child, how playing has an impact on the child’s maturation and how play changes in the first six years of a child’s life. Because of its multi-faceted nature and the fact that it is an intrinsically spontaneous and unpredictable phenomenon, ‘play’ has proved to be extremely difficult to define and research. According to Bruce (1991), ‘play’ is a mechanism for learning, and is one of the most important dispositions to support children’s learning: ‘free-flow play seems to be concerned with the ability and the opportunity to wallow in ideas, experiences, feelings and relationships’ (Bruce, 1991, p42).While playing, children learn how to interact with peers, manage their feelings, explore the world and create new experiences. It can be argued that play helps the child’s cognitive development, which has been agreed upon by theorists, Vygotsky and Piaget. This learning through play will be disused further in the following pages of this thesis. There seems to be a general difficulty to define what ‘Play’ is, and...
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...Play is a freely chosen and personally directed behaviour that actively engages children. It is very important that early years practitioners have a good grasp on this subject as the developmental usefulness of play for a child is extremely significant. For children, play provides them with the necessary skills to develop: socially, emotionally, physically and creatively. Bruce (2004) explores the fact that play is a valuable tool for children to discover their environment and to learn about why things happen using all of their senses both indoors and outdoors. The hypothesis that will be discussed throughout this essay is how play is important in early development and learning and how it serves both the child’s individual needs and the future society in which they will live in. This will be discussed and explored through reference to historical play pioneers, legislation, policy and guidance and theoretical knowledge on the social, cultural and intellectual perspectives on play. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (2008), created under the Childcare Act (2006), gives all practitioners across England guidance on a play based approach to learning. Therefore, assuming children do learn by play, practitioners and professionals must deliver planned, purposeful play which has a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities, as stated by QCA (2007). There should be a wide variety of different play methods that allows them to represent their own learning...
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... Unit F922: Child development The portfolio work you produce for this assignment will be assessed to decide your mark for this unit. You need to produce evidence based on the study of a child up to the age of eight years. NB: To enable you to fully cover the requirements of this unit, the child you choose should be at least eight years old as it is difficult to project the development of the child. Your evidence needs to include: A description of two patterns (milestones) in each area of development of children, described from birth to eight years explaining two methods of monitoring development An explanation of the factors that have influenced the child studied and how they have affected his/her development, comparing their development with the norms Research relating to two roles of play and how they can be reflected in the development of the child studied Records of the planning of a learning aid for the child studied to use and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the aid and the benefits to the child studied. (You will use a different child under 8 years for AO4) PATTERNS OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (AO1 A) Identify the key stages and describe in detail two patterns (milestones) of development for each of the following: Physical growth and development (suggest 1 dev & 1 growth, eg gross motor skills & teeth) Intellectual development (suggest cognitive & writing) Language development (have to do verbal & non-verbal) ...
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...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 & Attfield...
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...Psychosocial Development Through the Play Years Portland Community College Table of Contents Introduction 3 Stages of Psychosocial Development 3 The First Two Years 3 The Play Years 4 Psychosocial Developmental Challenges 6 Possible Causes: Maltreatment 6 Possible Causes: Family Structure 7 Possible Causes: Environmental Adversity 8 Influencers of Child Psychosocial Development 9 Teachers 9 Gender Roles 10 Child’s Play 11 Conclusion 11 References 13 Introduction Psychosocial development looks at the emotional and social development processes. There are many theories when it comes to how psychosocial development occurs, including the two most well-known theories by Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. For the purpose of this paper I will be focusing on Erikson’s psychoanalytic theory of development for children through the play years, or age six. In addition to theories of development I will take a look into developmental challenges and the factors that affect development and the possible effects they may have. I will do this by taking a look at applicable case studies presenting their findings. The possible causes of developmental challenges that I will focus on are maltreatment, family structure and environmental adversity. I will also look into the influencers of psychosocial development on children and the impact they have on a child’s psychosocial development...
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...power of play has an important psychological role in children’s development, as reinforced by Sutton-Smith (1993, p. 279) using “play as progress” and “play ethos” by Peter Smith (1988, p. 166) both cited in Pellegrini (1995). Goldstein (2012) stated that pretend play is one of the common types of interactive social play among 2- to 6-years-old children. He also mentioned that as children grow, the nature and function of pretend play will also change from simple imitation to more...
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...and Development Culture plays an important role in the development of a child. It can play a very beneficial part in their physical, cognitive and social development. Another important part of development is nature. Does nature play a more important role than nurture? A child’s culture is made up of different customs, practices and social behaviors that the child’s family is involved in. For example, religious beliefs, different rules the family has or activities they are involved in. Most likely if a child grows up in a Christian home they are going to follow those same values when they get older. If a family is active and involves their small children in the activities then the children are more likely to grow up with an active lifestyle. Culture has a big influence on the development of a child. Physically, a child can learn from their parents how to live a healthy lifestyle. How to eat healthy and take care of their bodies with healthy exercise. Culture can also affect a child’s cognitive development through how those that surround a child teach that child. Do they take time to work the child to develop different skills and knowledge? It affects their social development. Children who experience the security of loving parents and have strong attachments to their parents are better able to reach out to relate with others. (Seefeldt, 2010) Nature and Nurture both play a very important role in a child’s development. Many people argue over which one plays a bigger...
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...Explain why play is important to the holistic development of the young child. Explain how and why children’s play changes over the first six years of life. Include examples to support your explanation. To begin this essay, I have asked myself ‘what is play?’ The Oxford English Dictionary cites many definitions for the word ‘play’. One can watch a play, play truant, play up, play football, play cards or play an instrument. Child development theorists have published a great many works on play and its impact on child development. Hutt et al (1989) (as quoted in Wood & Attfield (2005)) argued that play is “a jumbo category that encompasses a multiplicity of activities, some of which are conducive to learning, but many of which are not.” Wood & Attfield (2005) wrote that “play involves a wide range of behaviours, have multiple meanings for both children and adults and can be regarded as serious or trivial. It can be highly motivated or just plain messing about”. Moyles (2005) believed play to be “… a process which, in itself, will subsume a range of behaviours, motivations, opportunities, practices, skills and understandings …” For the purposes of this essay, I am focussing on the enjoyable activities which children undertake freely and spontaneously, alone or with their peers which brings pleasure, fulfilment and development. I will endeavour to explain how play is important to the holistic development of the young child and also how and why play changes during the first...
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...Assignment Discuss the key aspects of Early Years child development in the contexts of providing support an appropriate child care setting Page 1 This essay will look at the key aspects of early Years child development in the contexts of providing support in an appropriate child care setting. The early years of a child’s life are the most important in terms of their general well-being, their emotional and social development, and their physical, intellectual and emotional growth. Bruce and Meggitt, (1999) claim that children learn more in the first five years than in the whole of their lives, thus supporting the importance of good quality early intervention in a child’s learning and development. As children grow and develop in a myriad of ways there are several theories of child development, each suggesting that children develop in a similar way, yet each also stresses that different parts of development are of primary importance. Maslow (1970) cited in Hartley-Brewer (1998) believes that children cannot learn and develop until their basic needs are met such as food, warmth and security. When these are met then a child must feel safe and secure before they can learn which according to Maslow (1970) is high up the ladder of needs before they reach the top which is self-actualisation. Geraghty (1988) suggests “love, security, consistency and continuous affection, and opportunities for independence lead to a positive self-image” (p.104) As a Sure Start practitioner...
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...period in the development of the human potential. Foundations for all aspects of development are laid during this stage. It is the period of the development of initiative. The child acts on his needs. If these attempts are supported and are quite successful, he develops a sense of confidence in himself. It is also referred to as preschool age. This child’s physical and motor development affects not only his succeeding physical growth and motor development but also his sense of identity and sense of control. His acquisition of language and understanding of concepts influence his intellectual development. His social interactions with his family and significant others determine how he progresses socially and emotionally. The family and the preschool need to be aware of the characteristics and needs in this stage so they can facilitate maximum growth and development of the child. Characteristics of Early Childhood Early childhood is characterized by the things young children do and learn when they are about three to six years old. 1. Activity Age - A healthy child engages in all kinds of tasks. 2. Discovery Age – The young child starts to learn many things about himself and his environment. 3. Exploration Age – The child manipulates his body and his environment. 4. Socialization Age – The child begins to meet people in his neighborhood and community. 5. Imitation Age – The child copies just any model that gets his attention. 6. Play Age – The...
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...assert that the trend has significantly increased since the 1960s, an issue that has necessitated further research on the subject .For instance, Akabas et al., (2012) assert that 14 to 16% of 5 years old and 17 to 19% of 19 years old are overweight. This has been necessitated by the fact that the older/obese a child becomes the likelihood that the child will become obese in adulthood (Charlesworth, 2013). Thus, considering this became a matter of global concern. Further, studies have been done to ascertain the probability of a child becoming obese if not breastfed in the first six months. For a thorough comprehension of the topic, it was concluded that it is necessary to explore issues such as defining overweight and obesity for children, genetic predisposition to weight and obesity, behaviours that affect childhood overweight and obesity. Also, how breastfeeding aids in curbing obesity and overweight in children and how the role of a mother and family in preventing obesity and overweight in children is also addressed. Finally, recommendations were made regarding how childhood obesity can be curbed. This paper researches whether breastfeeding can play a critical role in the first six months in curbing childhood obesity. Defining Obesity and Overweight for Children Charlesworth (2013) confirms that overweight and obesity are terms that are employed interchangeably despite the fact that they do not mean the same. Cole (2013) simplifies the definition by opining that...
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...kindergarten. Literature review is used to explore the research existing in this field. It will help us to understand what effect pre-school has on children. Such programs are also discussed in the paper which is conducting training for preschoolers for their development. This paper not only covers that academic aspect but also sheds light on the benefits preschool education has on social and emotional aspects of children's life. After collecting this information, it will be collaborated with the findings of this research paper using different research technique. In the end, the paper will be concluded along with some suggestions. Introduction In this competitive world it is very important to train the children in such a way that they are not left behind. Study shows that with pre-school training, children show much developed skills of learning when they enter kindergarten. If a child is being read to at home, visits museums, learns how to play a game and reads along someone then it is more likely that his/her learning abilities are polished and ready for kindergarten (Stube & Patrick, 2010). Pre-school is a planned program for children before they start their formal education. It deals with the learning ability of a child. Children are trained in such a way that their learning abilities are enhanced. Specified techniques are used to improve the language skills and analytical skills. it also has a positive effect on the behavioral aspect of a child's personality. Bridges...
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...Culture and Development EDU 305 University of Phoenix Culture is defined as “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) All of these factors play a role in contributing to a persons’ culture. Customary beliefs are beliefs that have always been in that group of people. Some might say that they are similar to superstitions. Some people have superstitions about ladders, or black cats, or stepping on cracks in the sidewalk. These beliefs are passed down from generation to generation and can go back to the beginning of that group of people. Material traits are traits that people have within themselves that usually relate to their racial, religious, or social group. These traits can be personality, behavioral, beliefs, etc. Every group has material traits that can be associated with them. Culture plays a big role in influencing people. Culture can start to influence people as young as infants and toddlers. The influence culture plays on infant and toddler development can vary depending on the sensitivities of the child. The three main influences that culture affects in development are security, education, and socialization. The physical and social surroundings of a child can attribute to a child feeling secure in their environment or insecure in their environment. If a child feels secure in their cultural environment, then they are more likely to venture out of their culture to...
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...The effect of child-caregiver interacton on the social-, emotional and cognitive development of children “Lack of caregiver-child interaction has been cited as a risk factor that contributes to loss of developmental potential. On the other hand, positive caregiver-child interactions are said to facilitate social-emotional development (Walker et al., 2011). This is especially true in infancy.” “Lack of caregiver-child interaction has been cited as a risk factor that contributes to loss of developmental potential. On the other hand, positive caregiver-child interactions are said to facilitate social-emotional development (Walker et al., 2011). This is especially true in infancy.” In this essay I wish to discuss the above emphasised statements in the context of normal social behaviour. This essay places specific emphases on three main areas; the role of attachment in child developement, how a lack of caregiver-child interactions affect the infant and the protective factors that could facilitate the child’s social-emotional development. After World War II, it was found that many children who lost their parents presented similar psychological difficulties (Cassidy & Shaver, 1999). Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby wrote a pamphlet on the situation, entitled “Meternal Deprivation”. Out of this work spawned the attachment theory. For the first time people became aware that the close careciver-child attachment, usually mother-child, was very important in the...
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