What is Play ?
Definition:
- one of the ways children learn about themselves, the people
around them, their environment and their community.
- it's an essential part of every child’s life and important to
their development.
- through play, children learn to explore the world around them,
develop and practice skills they will use throughout their
lives.
- Play is defined as behaviour that is freely
chosen, personally directed and
intrinsically motivated.
Clarification:
Freely chosen
means that or as free as is practicable given the constraints of
the safety of the child.
Personally directed
is a process of trial and error; short cutting this process e.g.
telling a child the ‘right way’ to hold a paint brush will
deny children many of these first hand experiences. Wherever
possible, the child should be in control of how they play.
Intrinsically motivated
Play is not performed for an external goal or reward. Play
Work
ers should avoid contaminating the play process with their own
agenda.
Play is essential for:
- physical, emotional and spiritual growth
- intellectual and educational development
- social and behavioural skills
A child’s capacity for positive development will be inhibited if
denied access to a range of stimulating play opportunities. Play
often, though not always, implies a sense of fun for the child.