Defining and recognizing play is the first step in understanding why play is important, however this seemingly simple task seems to have provoked disagreement between theorists for decades. It engages many disciplines and resists easy definition but generally play is defined as a self-chosen and self-directed activity in which the process is more valued than the result and participants are free to leave at any time. Play is diverse, multifaceted and intricate. Play is structured and has rules which stem from the minds of the players and are not dictated by immediate biological needs, emotions, or physical necessity. ‘Play is imaginative, non-literal and mentally removed from “real” life. Play involves an active, alert, but non-stressed frame
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The interaction between caregiver and peers involves concentration and attention paying as well as providing a plethora of visual and linguistic cues. This stimulates creativity, imagination, language and symbolic thinking, in turn developing vocabulary, grammar and proper use of language (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005). Play can also motivate children to broaden the scope of their actions and enhance their confidence and self pride as well as linguistic abilities (Anderson-McNamee & Bailey, 2010). It also forms the foundation of the child’s emerging gender scheme, noticing whether other people are boys or girls and what toys boys or girls play with is the first step in the long line of sex – role learning. Erikson (1963) maintained there is a relationship between make-believe play and wider society. It permits children to learn about their social world and experiment with new social skills. It facilitates the understanding of cultural roles and supports integration of accepted social norms into developing …show more content…
Active physical play contributes to fine and gross motor development and body awareness. Using their bodies during play also enables children to feel physically confident, secure, and self-assured (Isenberg & Quisenberry, 2002). The physical benefits of active play are particularly valuable for children with joint or muscular illnesses who cannot engage in repeated strenuous exercise. Active play helps them build or maintain energy, joint flexibility, and muscular strength in addition to an increasing ability to endure stressful
The interaction between caregiver and peers involves concentration and attention paying as well as providing a plethora of visual and linguistic cues. This stimulates creativity, imagination, language and symbolic thinking, in turn developing vocabulary, grammar and proper use of language (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005). Play can also motivate children to broaden the scope of their actions and enhance their confidence and self pride as well as linguistic abilities (Anderson-McNamee & Bailey, 2010). It also forms the foundation of the child’s emerging gender scheme, noticing whether other people are boys or girls and what toys boys or girls play with is the first step in the long line of sex – role learning. Erikson (1963) maintained there is a relationship between make-believe play and wider society. It permits children to learn about their social world and experiment with new social skills. It facilitates the understanding of cultural roles and supports integration of accepted social norms into developing …show more content…
Active physical play contributes to fine and gross motor development and body awareness. Using their bodies during play also enables children to feel physically confident, secure, and self-assured (Isenberg & Quisenberry, 2002). The physical benefits of active play are particularly valuable for children with joint or muscular illnesses who cannot engage in repeated strenuous exercise. Active play helps them build or maintain energy, joint flexibility, and muscular strength in addition to an increasing ability to endure stressful