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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
The roles of play in early childhood education are to promote mental or cognitive skills,
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
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
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
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
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
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.
3. Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). The Development of Higher Psychological Process. Mind in Society
Literature Review
What do others Think and Say about the Related Area and Your Question?
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
The vital role of play, in early childhood education is to promote mental, or cognitive skills,
Review of what Experts Say, Describe, Compare, and Critique the Articles.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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,
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
References:
htt://www.iaswcce.org/waldorf_education/articles/education_toward_freedom.aspx
Its Socioemotional Significance and The Teachers Role in Play. Early Childhood Education
3. Bren, R.M. (1997). Child, Family, School, Community: The Importance of Play. Fort
7. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dream and Imitation in Children. New York, NY: Norton.
http://www.mcm.org/uploads/mcmResearchsumary.pdf
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Methodology:
Date: 2/28/2016
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
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
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
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
5. What effect does the role of play have, on a child, in his or her adulthood?
7. What do you think about teachers, who encourage the children to play instead of
8. How can play help a child to develop and improve social skills?
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Result/Data
Date: 3/11/16
The information I gathered was, from four interviewees, from different works of life. For
University, Long Beach, a teacher assistant, in a private daycare and a mother of two little
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
Philippe Hernandez is a Spanish handyman, married with three little children and he works
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
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.
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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.
23
Bibliography:
htt://www.iaswcce.org/waldorf_education/articles/education_toward_freedom.aspx
Its Socioemotional Significance and The Teachers Role In Play. Early Childhood
3. Bren, R.M. (1997). Child, Family, School, Community: The Importance of Play. Fort
9. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dream and Imitation in Children. New York, NY: Norton.
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10. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and Society: The Development of Higher Psychological
http://www.mcm.org/uploads/mcmResearchsumary.pdf