1. Chapter Four: Play!

2. 1. List the 13 things you will have to consider when selecting toys. Can you think of anything to add to this list? 2. Briefly explain (2-3 sentences each) what you should consider in each of the following cases: program goals, space, supervision, quantity, developmentally appropriate toys, violence and toys, safety and toys. 3. Safe toys: tell me what you should watch for in buying each of these toys: dolls, balloons, plastic toys, party favors, pull toys, stuffed animals, toy vehicles, electrical toys. 4. How do you report unsafe toys? 5. What are consumable supplies? Give some examples. 6. What’s a consumer report? 7. List and explain 5 things you should consider when selecting play yard equipment.

3.  Play is the cornerstone (basis) of quality early childhood education programs, because it’s universal (applies to all kids, in all places and cultures) and provides the foundation for all learning.  Remember, as a teacher or parent, you need to make sure the child develops (intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, linguistically (language).  Play helps you do this.  Teachers and parents don’t “teach” play, but help kids find ways to solve problems that may come up in play and to help them build on discoveries they make through play.  Children’s play comes about in part because of where they are developmentally, but is also shaped by the environment and the people (children and adults) in the environment.  Above all, as the grown up, you need to be nurturing and dependable. Encourage them and reassure them. Help them gain confidence as they explore and discover.

4.  A child’s inborn temperament and the kinds of interaction they have with other kids will help them reach each of these milestones:  Developing a Sense of Security  Developing a Sense of Attachment (with the world)  Developing a Sense of Trust (in adults)  Developing a Sense of Independence  Developing a Sense of Empathy  Developing a Sense of Self-Control

5.  One thing kids around the world have in common is their need to play. Through play, they come to know and understand their world. It brings joy, learning and absorption.  Why do we need to be concerned about it?  Because play is always under attack in North America – play is a “bad” word. Because kids are like sponges when they are young, people want to push them to learn, and childhood has become a time for work, not play.  What is Play? Kids gain insight and gather knowledge as they play.

6.  Play comes from within the child and is not brought about by needs for food or company or promises of reward.  When playing, kids don’t care about the end result, it’s fun just to play.  The question is “what can I do with this object?” They are exploring.  Play is usually about pretending.  Play doesn’t have rules, like games do.  Play takes active involvement, not like daydreaming.  Play develops as it goes, it’s not “scripted”

7.  Pretend Play: kids use symbols (words, action or objects) to represent the real world. They include other children, so learn about social rules and learn to negotiate.  Some kids find pretend-play difficult to enter, so other kids can help by giving them a “role” and including them.  Most kids engage in this kind of play naturally; it should be encouraged in early childhood classrooms – having an area set aside for dramatic play: props, housekeeping areas, dolls, dress-up, mirrors, shopping.  Kids will also act out a favorite book or movie / show.

8.  Some people think superhero play is not a good thing, but many people feel that children “act like” the superheroes, and try to have their positive qualities (brave, honest, kind) and that can help them feel strong (empowered), to have positive emotions (courage, strength, pride and wisdom), help them gain confidence, help them imitate good role models, help them problem solve and learn to cooperate and communicate.

9. Use the following three sites and choose toys for each of the following scenarios: Toys R Us; Sears.ca; Scholars Choice 1. You have $150 to spend on a 6 month old baby boy. 2. You have $200 to spend on a 4 year old girl. 3. You have $100 to spend on a 2 year old boy. 4. You have $400 to spend on a 3 year old boy. 5. You have $230 to spend on a 18 month old girl.

10.  Again, using the websites, choose your all- time favorite gift for a one year old, two year old, three year old, four year old and five year old (a different gift for each one).  Tell me where you found it.  Tell me why you chose it. Why is it the BEST gift for a child that age?

11.  Using the three websites, choose a toy that is inappropriate for a) a one year old b) a two year old c) a three year old d) a four year old e) a five year old.  Give me your choice. Tell me why it would be the worst gift ever for a child that age.

12.  You want to buy an outdoor play center for your kids. Go to Costco, Walmart, Toys R Us, HomeHardw