THE ROLE OF PLAY  Play is children’s “work”  Play fosters healthy growth and development  Characteristics of play include: –It is freely chosen by children –It is pleasurable –It actively engages the child –Is it process oriented and self-directed

Why do children play?  It is fun  It releases tensions and stress  It provides exercise  It supports social interactions  It leads to a sense of mastery and accomplishment  It encourages imagination  It supports problem solving

CATEGORIES OF PLAY  Solitary play—typical of two-year-olds  Parallel play—side by side play but still solitary—common among 2-year-olds  Associate play—separate activities but some sharing, lending, taking turns, etc.— common among 3 and 4-year-olds  Cooperative play—high level of play requiring social and cognitive maturity— common goals and assigned roles

What are your thoughts?  When I see a child playing…..  Dynamic classrooms are not quiet!