Children at Play
The sole reason why children play is because it makes them happy. Play is natural for children and can be characterised as spontaneous, energetic, stimulating and relaxing (Flood & Hardy, 2013). Some types of play include discovery, imaginative, physical, creative, manipulative and social play (Minett 2017, p.197). Play is crucial for a child’s holistic development.
Babies and young infants learn through their bodies and senses. Any sensory activity is beneficial to a child at this stage of childhood. Rattles and musical instruments are great for infants as they discover and refine their motor skills while making different sounds allowing them to explore their senses. Messy and creative play activities with paint, play dough, sand and water are beneficial at this stage (NCCA, 2009).
Toddlers and young children are still making sense of the world around them using their bodies and senses. Children at this stage enjoy sensory activities but it is important to make these activities more challenging for the child in order to keep them stimulated. When playing with sand, challenge the child to create something and ask them what it is. This will promote language as well as physical development (NCCA, 2009). At this stage, children are constantly expanding vocabulary and it is important that they have a language rich environment. Dramatic play begins at this stage. Children make sense of the world through recreating roles and using their imaginations. Dramatic play has many different learning opportunities and can benefit a child’s holistic development (CECDE, 2006).
Play and Society Today
Children should not have to be coerced into play but sadly in society today sometimes they do. Technology is a normal part of Irish society. Most households today own a television, computer, smart phones and/or tablets. Children are spending a lot of time looking at screens, whether it be a television or tablet. Although they may be playing games on gaming consoles, there are no benefits from watching a screen for hours on end. Parents need to be made aware of the benefits of play for a child’s development and get their children active (Early Childhood Ireland, 2015).
Points to Consider
It is important to remember that all children are unique and develop at different stages. What may be enjoyable for one child may frustrating for another. Observation is key to planning developmentally appropriate activities for children. Observation give parents and childcare practitioner’s an insight into the child’s strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes (DCYA, 2016).
Almost all activities that happen indoors can be implemented outdoors. What is better for a child than learning about the world in a natural environment. Irish weather is unpredictable but once children have the right clothing; the outdoor play experiences are endless. When outdoors children play with natural materials such as muck, water and sand. They learn about the natural environment in a fun and exciting way while taking risks in play (Early Childhood Ireland, 2017). Children need play to be exciting and meaningful to keep them stimulated.
References
CECDE (2006) Siolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, Dublin: CECDE
DCYA (2016) Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education, Dublin: Government Publications.
Early Childhood Ireland (2015) Children’s use of Technology [online] Available at: https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/childrens-use-of-technology/ [Accessed 29 April 2019]
Early Childhood Ireland (2017) Outdoor Play [online] Available at: https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/work/quality-practice/play/outdoor-play/ [Accessed 29 April 2019]
Flood, E. & Hardy, C. (2013) Early Childhood Education and Play, Dublin: Gill & Macmillan
Minett, P (2017) Child Care & Development, London; Hodder Education
NCCA (2009) Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, Dublin: NCCA
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