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HD300- Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycle Issues

The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education

Professor: Carla Franklin

Student: Vera Enekwechi

April 12, 2016

Pacific Oaks College

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Topic: The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education

Introduction:

1. What is the Question you are hoping to answer? The Question I am hoping to Answer is:

What is the role of play, in the early childhood education? All children have the right to play.

Play is a process through which children learn. Good quality play, have a significant impact, on

childs development. Play is a childs work. It is very essential, for a childs development and it is

also the cornerstone of learning. Children are playful, by nature. Their earliest experiences of

exploring with their senses, lead them to play first, by themselves, and eventually, with others.

Play is fun. This is how the children respond when they are asked to play. However, it is more

than fun, in the sense that it is spontaneous, voluntary and engaging. Although, some

researchers and scientists disagree, on the importance of play, in the development of the

children, but agree that play is universal to children, in the world as a whole. Play is learning. As

the children play, they learn and also develop, in all areas of the domains such as, physical,

cognitive, social and emotional. It contains all the developmental tendencies in a condensed

form and is itself a major source of development (Vygotsky, 1978).

The roles of play in early childhood education are to promote mental or cognitive skills,

physical-motor development, social/ emotional development and language development. Play

promotes mental or cognitive skills. As the children experience the world around them, they

form mental pictures of what they see and at the same time, they have the opportunity of

expressing their thoughts and ideas. Again, children organize, plan, solve problems, reason, try

out solutions and skills, create and explore, as they play. Playing with blocks gives them an
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opportunity to create these pictures in a concrete form. Moreover, blocks play, promotes a

concrete understanding of concepts, essential to logical thinking (Colker, Dodge, & Heroman,

2008). Children learn about sizes, shapes numbers, order, area, length, pattern and weight, as

they select, build with blocks and put them away.

Moreover, play promotes physical-motor development. Play therefore provides the activity

needed to strengthen and coordinate childrens muscles and bodies (Eliason & Jenkins, 2011,

pp. 18-19). For example, when the children carry blocks and carefully place them together to

form a bridge, or make an intricate design, their small muscles develop. They gain strength in

their large muscles using the hollow blocks and improve their eye-hand coordination when they

carefully, balance blocks so they wont tumble (Colker, Dodge &Heroman, 2008. P. 243).

Furthermore, play encourages social/emotional development. With play, children learn how

to be part of a group, and also learn ways of behaving and feelings. When children play, in the

block area, for instance, they negotiate, for the materials they will want to use, determine, how

many children can work, in the area, care for the materials, and follow the rules of building

safely. They also exchange ideas expand their knowledge and learn to respect the viewpoint

that are different from their own (Colker, Dodge & Heroman, 2008, p. 243).

Finally, Play assist in language development. When children are playing with blocks, for

example, they are willing to talk about their construction if an adult asked questions and

showed genuine interest. They increase their vocabulary when adults give them new words to

describe what they are doing and develop their writing skills, by making signs, for their

building (Colker, Dodge, & Heroman, 2008, p. 243).

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Play is a childs work. It is essential, for a childs development and also it is the cornerstone of

learning. Play increases the childrens repertoire and responses and helps them to develop the

ability to give more than one answer that is divergent thinking, or have alternative ways to

react to similar situations. With play, children learn how to be part of a group and it also gives

them the opportunity of expressing their views, experiences and frustrations.

2. Why are you interested in this particular topic? I am interested in this particular topic

because play builds the foundation, for a lifelong learning. Play is a means to other ends and

the skills, which the children acquire through play, in their early years, set a stage for future

learning right, from the preschool classroom, to the workplace.

3. How does it relate to Your Life and Human Development? It relates to my life and human

development, in the sense that, play helped me to develop self-esteem and self- confidence

and also helped to contribute to, who I am today, as an individual.

4. Why might others be interested? Others might be interested, in this topic because of its

importance in the development of a whole child. Again, they might be interested when they

learn that play has been included, in the accreditation process, for programs, for the young

children, by National Association, for the Education of the Young Children. (NAEYC).
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References:

1. Colker, L. J., Dodge, D. T. & Heroman, C. (2008). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool.

Belmont, CA. Wadsworth.

2. Eliason, C. &Jenkins, L. (2011) A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum.

Los Angeles, CA Pearson.

3. Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). The Development of Higher Psychological Process. Mind in Society

(p.102) Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

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Literature Review

What do others Think and Say about the Related Area and Your Question?

Topic: The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education.

Definition of Play: All children have the right to play. Play is a childs work. It is very essential,

for the development of a child and it is the cornerstone of learning. Children enjoy playing.

Play is a behavior that is enjoyed, for its own sake (Evans & McCandles, 1978, p. 110).

Preschoolers learn differently, from school age children and play is the main way they learn,

explore and develop ideas, about the world around them. Play is the way the child learns,

about his or her environment because its interactive nature allows, for construction of

knowledge (Piaget, 1962). Play helps the children to build the skills necessary, for critical

thinking and leadership role; it is how they learn to solve problems and to feel good, about their

ability to learn.

Children learn the most, from play when they have skilled teachers, who are well trained, in

understanding, how play contributes to learning. Although, most researchers and scientists

disagree, on the importance of play, in the development of the children, but agreed that play is

universal to the children, in the world as a whole. Most child development experts agree that

play is an essential part of a high-quality early learning program. Play is fun. This is how the

children respond when they are asked to play. However, it is more than fun, in the sense that it

is spontaneous, voluntary and engaging. As Vygotsky (1978) noted, It contains all the

developmental tendencies in a condensed form and is itself a major source of development

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The vital role of play, in early childhood education is to promote mental, or cognitive skills,

Physical-motor development, Social/Emotional and language development.

Review of what Experts Say, Describe, Compare, and Critique the Articles.

Almon (2003) believes that:

Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy young children.

It helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it.

It allows them to digest life and make it their own. It is an outlet for the

fullness of their creativity and it is an absolutely critical part of their childhood.

With creative play children blossom and flourish without it, they suffer a serious

decline. School children no longer have the freedom to explore woods and fields

and find their own special places. Physical education and recess are being

eliminated; new schools are built without playground.

The most interesting thing, about the article is that the author attempted to explain the vital

role of play, in early childhood education and also made mention of, how play is now been

seriously damaged, as children, no longer have the freedom to explore the world around them.

However, the author failed to mention that it is not every child, that loves to play with other
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children and some do not even want to play at all, for no reason, such children can still succeed

without being expose to any kind of play.

Ashiab (2005) concur, by stating that, There are many advantages to letting children

engage, in play with others. For example, sociodramatic play enhances childrens capacity, for

reflecting before acting, role-taking, perspective-taking, empathy, altruism, and emotional

understanding and regulation. The authors point being that, play has an important role, in

early childhood education. The information that is left out is that, for a child to develop the

above qualities, that child must have the support of his or her family (parents) because

learning/education starts, from home. Again, as a result of childrearing, beliefs, values, and

practices, some parents may not want their children, to play with other children.

White (2012) also followed this line of thought, by saying that, Play presents children with a

particular strong opportunity, for growth because it meets the needs of the whole child. All

domains of childrens development-cognitive, social, emotional, and physical- are intricately

intertwined. This author also attempted to explain the vital role of play, in early childhood

education, by saying that, with play, children are able to develop, in all aspects of the four

domains and that, the domains are interrelated. The information that is left out is that, the role

of play with all its advantages did not include specific program, for specific children such as, the

children with special needs (mild, moderate, severe or multiple disability).

Even though, Bern does not disagree with the points previously pointed out, His study

focuses its attention, on the aspect of play that enables the children, to learn the skills that are

necessary, for adult life.

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According to Bern (1997),

The increasing nature of play requires a combination of physical-motor

skills, interpersonal skills and cognitive skills. Through play, children

discover their capacities. They explore and test their physical and mental

abilities against their own standards and in comparison with others (p. 357).

The information that is left out, in this study is that children do not discover their capacities

through play alone. There are other areas, by which the children can discover their capacities

such as, interest, experience, talent and by watching their parent, or other adults.

Kail (2007) does not disagree with Berns study. However, he focuses, on make-believe play,

by stating that:

Make-believe play promotes cognitive development and lets children

explore emotional topics that frighten them. Yet another benefit of

make-believe is that it allows children to explore topics that frightened

them. Children who are afraid of the dark may reassure a doll who is also

afraid of the dark. By explaining to the doll why she shouldnt be afraid. (p. 452).

What the author failed to mention is that, children can learn, about the topics that frighten

them through, different means such as, telling them stories, spending extra time with them
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when they are afraid and so on. Moreover, it is not every parent can afford a doll that is afraid

of the dark.

Lastly, Eyer & Mena share the same idea when they inform that, The benefits of play are

enormous and go beyond the kind of the things we talk about easily like developing skills and

learning concepts (Eyer & Mena, 2001, p. 61). The information that is left out is that, the

children can develop skills and learn concepts, by doing things they are interested in, watching

their parents or other adults because children can easily copy what adults do.

Summary: In reference to the authors, the depth of their work is found stimulating. However,

a comprehensive role of play, in early childhood education should be one designed to

accommodate every child. The role of play, in early childhood education should not be One

size fits all, kind of program. In every organization, or set up, there are strong, weak and

disabled people (mentally challenged, multiple disability, sever disability).

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References:

1. Almon, J. (2003). The Vital Role of Play in Childhood. Retrieved from

htt://www.iaswcce.org/waldorf_education/articles/education_toward_freedom.aspx

2. Ashiabi, G, S. (2007). Early Childhood Education. Play in The Preschool Classroom:

Its Socioemotional Significance and The Teachers Role in Play. Early Childhood Education

Journal, Vol. 35 (No. 2) p. 205.DOI: 10.1007/s10643-0070165-8.

3. Bren, R.M. (1997). Child, Family, School, Community: The Importance of Play. Fort

Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

4. Eyer, D. W. & Mena, J. G. (2001). Infants, Toddlers and Caregiver: Play, As

Curriculum. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill company, Inc.

5. Evans, E. D. & McCandles, B. R. (1978). Children and Growth: Psychosocial

Development (p.110). New York: Holt, Rinchart and Winston.

6. Kail, R. V. (2007). Children and Their Development: Development of Peer

Interactions. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

7. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dream and Imitation in Children. New York, NY: Norton.

8. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and Society: The Development of Higher Psychological

processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

White, R. E. (2012). The Power of Play. Retrieved from

http://www.mcm.org/uploads/mcmResearchsumary.pdf
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Methodology:

Date: 2/28/2016

What was your plan for gathering information?

1. My plan is to ask specific questions that must be answered.

2. To consider the type of questions that I want to use.

3. To determine, where I can find the information.

4. To determine, how many information I need.

How the data were generated:

The Set Up: My Apartment/Los Angeles Southwest College

My apartment has some tenants, an African American, female and a Spanish male, whom I

have known, over the years. Moreover, Los Angeles Southwest College also has an Asian male

and a Caucasian female, I have known, over the years as well. I gave each of the interviewees a

prior-knowledge of the interview, on the 15th of February, 2016 and the dates, for the interview

were scheduled, by them, after giving each of them my schedule, for that week. The field work,

for the research took-place between 24th 27th of February 2016 and the time was 4-5.30 PM. a

day, for each interviewee.

The African American female was interviewed on the 2/24/2016, in her apartment, from

4-5:30 PM. The Spanish man was interviewed, in his apartment on the 2/27/2016, from 4-5:30

PM. The Asian man was interviewed in Los Angeles Southwest College library sturdy room, on
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the 2/26/2016 and the Caucasian woman was interviewed, in her Los Angeles Southwest

College child development department office, on 2/25/2016

The Demography profile of the sample population:

The Age of the interviewees, for this study is 20 years and older (20+). The genders are two

males and two females. The racial composition is Asian, African American, Spanish, and

Caucasian. Eight questions were generated (developed), for this study.

Subject Matter: The Role of Play in Early childhood Education

The questions for the study are:

1. What do you think about play, in early childhood education?

2. What do you think are the vital role of play, in early childhood education?

3. What connection do you perceive between play and early literacy development?

4. In your own opinion, tell me if teachers and parents should be involved, in developing

suitable play, for the children.

5. What effect does the role of play have, on a child, in his or her adulthood?

6. In your own opinion, tell me if play is beneficial to every child

7. What do you think about teachers, who encourage the children to play instead of

teaching them the use of pencil and counting from 1-10?

8. How can play help a child to develop and improve social skills?
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Result/Data

Topic: The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education

Date: 3/11/16

What Information did you gather?

The information I gathered was, from four interviewees, from different works of life. For

instance, Nicole Jackson is an African American female undergraduate of California State

University, Long Beach, a teacher assistant, in a private daycare and a mother of two little

children. She was, in support of most of the questions.

However, she was not, in support of parents being involved in developing suitable play, for

the children. Her reason was that, the researchers, who were involved, in the role of play, in

early childhood education, were involved, in the program. Ms Jackson said, These researchers

are experts, who studied Child Psychology and Child Development. They observed and studied

the children as they were playing. I cant imagine what parents will be able to contribute in

that (Jackson, 2016).

Philippe Hernandez is a Spanish handyman, married with three little children and he works

with a construction company. He opposed all the questions.

Hernandez said:

I sent my children to school to learn to read and write and not to play.

The teachers are wasting their time asking them to play, instead of
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teaching them, how to write with the pencil and how to count

at least, from 1-10 (Hernandez, 2016).

Hernandez also said:

I want my children to be educated to better their lives in future.

The role of play and its benefits should be left to the parents of the children

to take care of. Again, these children play a lot when they come back home.

I think the purpose of early childhood education is to bring the children

together because they can learn from each other (Hernandez, 2016).

Joe Nagasaki is a Japanese male computer lab attendant with Los Angeles Southwest College.

He is married with two little children. He agreed with almost all the questions, but he said that

the role of play, in early childhood education might not be beneficial to every child, in the

senesce that, participation level might not be the same.

Nagasaki said:

Children being what they are might not want to participate at times.

Some might throw tantrum, and refuse to play and some might not be able to

play at all as a result of severe disability. In this effect, such children might

not benefit, from the role of play (Nagasaki, 2016)

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Ann Collins is a Caucasian female, early childhood education lab attendant. She is married

with two children. At her age, she seemed to be much more knowledgeable, about early

childhood education program because she said that, both her parents were teachers. She

agreed with almost all the questions. She was not, in support of teaching the children the use of

pencil and counting, from 1-10. She said, Playing, singing, and talking help the children to

develop, in all the domains. However, her main concern was that, the program was not meant,

for every child. She said that, the children with special needs (disability) especially sever

disability, might not benefit from it.

Moreover, Ms Collins said. Substitution of teachers might be a distraction to the children,

which could prevent them, from participating fully, in any play, thereby causing them not to

benefit from it (Collins, 2016). She also said, Participation is the key (Collins, 2016).

What did you find out?

I found out that, some people have their own opinion and concern, about the role of play

and its benefits, in early childhood education. My findings were educational and an eye opener

to get to know, how people think, about popular opinion.

The essence of this study is to see what other people think, about the role of play and its

benefits, in early childhood education. In other to achieve the aim of the research, it is

important to interview people, from different works of life.

The research exposed me, to know the opinion of people, about the role of play and its

benefits, in early childhood education. Like everything else, no particular program, no matter,
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how good it sounds, benefits everyone. That does not mean that, the role of play, in early

childhood education is outdated and that, the program should be discarded. It only requires

input reinforcement.
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Discussion (Analysis)

3/24/16

Discussing what I learned from doing this research:

I learned that, as popular as the role of play has been, in school, for a long time, and judging,

from my own experience, and how extensive the research was, an average layman had never

contributed to, or questioned the validity of the role of play, in early childhood education

program. From my own Assessment, and judging, from the extensive interview I had with

people, from different works of life, I did not find any of them, who flatly agreed with the role

of play and its benefits, in early child hood education, in its entirety.

All the interviewees pointed out either, an inclusion, or extension of one thing or the other,

to the role of play, in early childhood education program. This is not to say that, they

condemned the program, for what it stands for, its benefits, or what it is meant to be. It only

requires input reinforcement.

How is it connected to your question?

The main purpose of this exercise is to enquire, what other people think, about the role of

play, in early childhood education set up. For this reason, it is important, for me to choose

people, from different works of life to understand an in-depth of their own opinion. In this

effect, I believe that, my research is connected to my questions, in the sense that, my questions

are based, on the main topic. They are in-depth, inquisitive, and they are curious, in other, for
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me to find out what a person, who is not, in the school system thinks, about the role of play and

its benefits, in early childhood education program.

What are some major themes that emerged from your data?

The major themes that, emerged, from my data are that, the interviewees voice their

opinions, that the role of play and its benefits, in early childhood education need to be

strengthened, to accommodate everyone, who is left behind, such as the children with severe

disability, multiple disability, children, who are mentally challenged and others.(children with

special needs).

What do you think about this?

What I think, about my observation, from the interview I conducted was that, some people

have their opinion, about the role of play and its benefits. They did not condemn the role o f

play and it benefits, but they were concerned that, the program was not meant, for every child;

and they suggested that, the role of play should be strengthened to accommodate the children,

who are left behind such as, the children with special needs. Especially, the children with severe

disability, multiple disability and mentally challenged.

I also think that, my findings are educational, in the sense that it is an eye opener to get to

know, what people think about, a popular opinion. Moreover, I think the role of play, in early

childhood education is very beneficial, in that, it helps the children to develop, in all the

domains such as promoting mental or cognitive skills, physical motor development, social

/emotional development and language development. However, it should be reviewed

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periodically, in other to find out, if it still served the needs, for what it is designed for. For

instance, some children are from, different cultural backgrounds, different homes, religious

groups and some are children with special needs. Again, some parents may not want their

children to play with other children, as a result of their cultural or religious beliefs. These

various backgrounds, could affect the level of childrens participation, in a play.

Does it fit with your own experience?

The themes, that emerged, from my data fit my own experience, in that, with my

experience, for being, in school system (early childhood education program); I find out that, it

takes some children a while, before participating, in my play. Sometimes, some are lost, in

interacting with others, some like to play with their own kind, some are not energized right

away when it is time to play and some do not play much as a result of disability. Again, some

parents at times ask me, why we allow the children to play most of the time, instead of

teaching them the use of pencil and counting, from 1-10 at least. In such a case, I usually,

explain the role of play and its benefits to them. While, some of the parents might agree with

me, some still believe that teaching the use of pencil, knowing the alphabets and counting from

1-10 at least are more important than play.

Is it different or similar to literature?

My interview and experience are similar to the literature because the role of play, in early

childhood education stands, for what it is designed for, but my own observation is that it should

be further, strengthened, to accommodate the children, who are left behind. Children are from,

different backgrounds and so, some do not pick up at the same rate i.e. level of participation;
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and the children with special needs, such as mentally challenged, sever and multiple disability,

have to be considered as well.

Conclusion:

The role of play, in early childhood education program is beneficial to the children, in that it

is designed with a simple notion, to encourage childrens participation, interaction and to get

along with other children. The role of play has always been a worthy set up with the children, in

mind to stimulate their mental capacity and to develop them, to build their own level of

curiosity. Play helps, in language development. When children play with blocks, for instance,

they are willing to talk, about their construction if an adult asked questions and showed

genuine interest. Colker, Dodge, & Heroman said, They increase their vocabulary when adults

give them new words to describe what they are doing and develop their writing skills by making

signs, for their building (Colker et al., 2008, p.243).

Play is what children do. It is essential, for the childrens development and also, it is the

cornerstone of learning. It enables the children, to develop the ability to give more than one

answer that is divergent thinking, or have different ways to react to similar situations. With

play, children learn how to be part of a group and it also gives them the opportunity of

expressing their views, experiences and frustrations. If children were allowed to play, they

would develop the competencies, skills and abilities, which are very necessary not only, for

school, but also for life success.

The purpose of this program is accomplished when the children, in the program adhere to

the principles of the program, such as participating and being involved, in the program, through
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interaction. Although, there are some people, who would want to see it, in other forms, but the

program is still a suitable program, for the young mind.

What do you think about your data?

I developed my data, to address, assess, and inquire observations or assessment, from

other sources, for me to get an accurate feedback. I generated a comprehensive behavioral

data, in other, to have an extensive observation to report.

Recommendations:

This research exposed me to know the opinion of people, about the role of play and its

benefits, in early childhood education program. In this effect, my recommendation is that, the

role of play, in early childhood education should be strengthened, to accommodate every child

especially, the children with special needs such as mentally challenged children, children with

severe disability, multiple disability and others. Like everything else, no particular program, no

matter, how good it sounds, benefit everyone. This does not mean that, the role of play, in

early childhood education is obsolete and should be discarded. It only requires input

reinforcement, in the sense that, the role of play, in early childhood education should not be,

One size fits all kind of program. In every organization, there are strong, weak and disabled

people.
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Bibliography:

1. Almon, J. (2003). The Vital Role of Play in Childhood. Retrieved from

htt://www.iaswcce.org/waldorf_education/articles/education_toward_freedom.aspx

2. Ashiabi, G, S. (2007). Early Childhood Education. Play In The Preschool Classroom:

Its Socioemotional Significance and The Teachers Role In Play. Early Childhood

Education Journal, Vol. 35 (No. 2) p. 205.DOI: 10.1007/s10643-0070165-8.

3. Bren, R.M. (1997). Child, Family, School, Community: The Importance of Play. Fort

Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

4. Cooker, L. J., Dodge, D. T. & Heroman, C. (2008). The Creative Curriculum

Preschool. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth

5. Eliason, C. & Jenkins, L. (2011) A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum.

Los Angeles, CA Pearson.

6. Eyer, D. W. & Mena, J. G. (2001). Infants, Toddlers and Caregiver: Play, As

Curriculum. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill company, Inc.

7. Evans, E. D. & McCandles, B. R. (1978). Children and Growth: Psychosocial

Development (p.110). New York: Holt, Rinchart and Winston.

8. Kail, R. V. (2007). Children and Their Development: Development of Peer

Interactions. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

9. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dream and Imitation in Children. New York, NY: Norton.
 24

10. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and Society: The Development of Higher Psychological

processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

11. White, R. E. (2012). The Power of Play. Retrieved from

http://www.mcm.org/uploads/mcmResearchsumary.pdf