Georgina Estella
16/06/2024
What is the importance of play in early years education?
Play is crucially important for a child's overall development and aids in children's
understanding of their surroundings, according to educational experts Jean Piaget and Lev
Vygotsky. This helps develop children’s critical thinking, health and well-being, creativity, and
problem-solving skills—all of which are necessary for success in the classroom in the future.
(Piaget, 1951; Vygotsky, 1978).
Additionally, play is crucial for a child's development of social skills. Through play, children
develop social skills, begin to understand social norms and develop an understanding of
human behaviour. (Sutton-Smith, 1997). Through dramatic play and roleplaying, children
take on different roles, many of which they may see in their day to day lives and begin to see
things from other people's perspectives. This develops empathy and capacity for
understanding others. (Hughes, 1999).
Thirdly, play offers children a secure environment in which to express and manage their
emotions through dramatic and roleplaying games (Erikson, 1950). According to Garvey
(1990), this emotional growth is essential for acquiring coping mechanisms and resilience,
both of which are necessary throughout life.
Physically, physical play helps children develop their gross and fine motor skills. Running,
climbing, and object manipulation are examples of physical activities that enhance
coordination and spatial awareness in addition to enhancing physical health (Bergen, 2002).
The EYFS places a very strong emphasis on play-based learning as it is consistent with
many modern educational philosophies that highlight child-centered approaches. Play-based
learning encourages educators to see children as active constructors of their own knowledge
rather than passive recipients, as documented in notable educational frameworks including
the High/Scope method and the Reggio Emilia approach. (Edwards et al., 1998; Hohmann &
Weikart, 2002).
To conclude, the integration of play in early years education is essential for children's overall
growth and development. We know from years of research, theory and empirical studies that
play promotes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth in ways that structured
learning on its own cannot achieve. Therefore, educators play an essential role in supporting
play-based learning that develops the whole child and provides a strong basis for learning
and well-being as they grow up.
References:
- Bergen, D. (2002). **The role of pretend play in children's cognitive development.** Early
Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1).
- Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (Eds.). (1998). **The hundred languages of
children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.** Ablex Publishing.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). **Childhood and society.** Norton.
- Garvey, C. (1990). **Play.** Harvard University Press.
16/06/2024
What is the importance of play in early years education?
Play is crucially important for a child's overall development and aids in children's
understanding of their surroundings, according to educational experts Jean Piaget and Lev
Vygotsky. This helps develop children’s critical thinking, health and well-being, creativity, and
problem-solving skills—all of which are necessary for success in the classroom in the future.
(Piaget, 1951; Vygotsky, 1978).
Additionally, play is crucial for a child's development of social skills. Through play, children
develop social skills, begin to understand social norms and develop an understanding of
human behaviour. (Sutton-Smith, 1997). Through dramatic play and roleplaying, children
take on different roles, many of which they may see in their day to day lives and begin to see
things from other people's perspectives. This develops empathy and capacity for
understanding others. (Hughes, 1999).
Thirdly, play offers children a secure environment in which to express and manage their
emotions through dramatic and roleplaying games (Erikson, 1950). According to Garvey
(1990), this emotional growth is essential for acquiring coping mechanisms and resilience,
both of which are necessary throughout life.
Physically, physical play helps children develop their gross and fine motor skills. Running,
climbing, and object manipulation are examples of physical activities that enhance
coordination and spatial awareness in addition to enhancing physical health (Bergen, 2002).
The EYFS places a very strong emphasis on play-based learning as it is consistent with
many modern educational philosophies that highlight child-centered approaches. Play-based
learning encourages educators to see children as active constructors of their own knowledge
rather than passive recipients, as documented in notable educational frameworks including
the High/Scope method and the Reggio Emilia approach. (Edwards et al., 1998; Hohmann &
Weikart, 2002).
To conclude, the integration of play in early years education is essential for children's overall
growth and development. We know from years of research, theory and empirical studies that
play promotes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth in ways that structured
learning on its own cannot achieve. Therefore, educators play an essential role in supporting
play-based learning that develops the whole child and provides a strong basis for learning
and well-being as they grow up.
References:
- Bergen, D. (2002). **The role of pretend play in children's cognitive development.** Early
Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1).
- Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (Eds.). (1998). **The hundred languages of
children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.** Ablex Publishing.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). **Childhood and society.** Norton.
- Garvey, C. (1990). **Play.** Harvard University Press.
