How Children Learn/Play?

What is Play? Play is a natural and important activity for children. Children learn best by doing and experimenting through their senses.

Play in a Child’s World Researchers recognize that children’s play has a central place in a child’s world. Social adaptation Expression of primary needs

Play and Intellectual Development Play allows for incidental learning. Children learn cause and effect and through trial and error. Imitation by pretending and dramatic play. Nurtures reasoning, imagination, creativity, and curiosity.

Play and Social/Emotional Development Teaches self entertainment. Work through conflict. Cooperation: take turns, share Potential healing power. Teaches role in society. Provides practice for language skills.

Play and Physical Development Allows for movement of large and small muscles. Focus on the process of play.

Incidental Learning The child learns in an unplanned way by observing and understanding the results of accidental actions. –It happens in many ways: through observation, repetition, social interaction, and problem solving

Imitative Learning The child learns skills and behavior by watching and imitating others.

Trial and Error Learning The child tries several solutions to a problem before finding out what works.

Types of Play Parallel Play –Play near other children with similar materials. Cooperative Play –Children orient toward a common goal. Associate Play –Engage in separate activities, but interact by exchanging toys.

Art & Children

Children express themselves through art. Do not correct or criticize their work. –Praise

Importance of Art Promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. –How? Physical - movements Social – share art materials Emotional – creative activity to express emotions Cognitive – exploring and experimenting

3 Stages of Art Skill Development Scribbles Basic Forms First Drawings

Scribbles Zigzags, whirls, and circles. No connection of movements. –How could you help kids to be aware of the movements?

Basic Forms Ovals, rectangles, and circles. More control over movements.

First Drawings Produce first real drawings. Mimic their own view of the world. Create symbols of objects and events. Often large drawings.