Module 11:

4.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:-

After going through this module, learners will be able to,

- define the concept of Play.

- explain the significance of play for children.
- explain the characteristics of play.
- identify the types of play.

4.2 : INTRODUCTION:

Dear learners, it is known to us that play is a universal phenomenon and a right of

childhood and children are playful in nature. Play comes naturally to children as they
begin to explore their surroundings. Young Children learn new things just by playing. The
role of play in early childhood education should not go unnoticed, instead should be included
in early childhood education (ECE) curriculum. Play in preschool presents young learners
with a means to understand the world works around them. Therefore, professional early
childhood teachers who are aware of and comprehend the importance of play in the life of
children, are better prepared to use play as a context for instruction at this stage of education.
They also understand the importance of play in social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and
motor domains of development. Hence, it is extremely important that early childhood
 educators’ should have a clear understanding of play offer appropriate support to children.
This module discusses the concept, definition, characteristics and types of play. It goes on to
examine the importance of play and the significance of play in children’s development.

4.3 : CONCEPT OF PLAY:

Play is the lens through which children experience their world and the world of others. The
concept of play seems very simple. Play is any activity undertaken with a playful frame of
mind. Play has been defined as any activity freely chosen, naturally driven, and personally
directed. It consists of those activities performed for self-amusement that have behavioural,
social, and psychomotor rewards. It is child-directed, and the rewards come from within the
individual child; it is enjoyable and spontaneous. Thus, play consists of an amusing, pretend
or imaginary activity alone or with other. It can be said as a range of intrinsically motivated
activities done for recreational pleasure as well as enjoyment.
Play is not just a pass time activity. When it comes to how our kid plays, it turns out that it’s
not all just fun and games. Play is the work of children. Valentine said play is a kind of
amusement in the work. In young children play is frequently associated with the all-round
development of children. Even some forms of play are rehearsals or trials for later life
events. Play is explicitly recognized in Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, (adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, November 29,1989), which
declares:
 Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and
recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in
cultural life and the arts.
 Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural
and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate equal opportunities
for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activities.
4.3.1 DEFINITION OF PLAY:

Play is an important element of a child’s life. It helps children achieve mastery in certain
skills, and they learn to have control over their environment. Play contributes to the
development of children. Play is generally associated with children. But it occurs at any life
stage and including other higher functioning animals as well. Play, according to the famous
psychologist McDougall is a normal innate tendency, similar to suggestion and imitation.
Though the definition of play varies from psychologist to psychologist, most of them believe
that it is an innate tendency. From the following definitions we will understand it better-

Dewey defines play as “Activities that necessarily performed for the sake of any result
beyond themselves.”

According to Froebel, “Play is the purest, most spiritual activity of man at this stage
(childhood). It gives therefore joy, freedom, contentment, inner rest and peace with the
world.”

Nunn holds that, “Play is a profound manifestation of creative activities.”

Ross regards play as. “Joyful, spontaneous, creative activity, in which man finds his fullest
expression.”

Rogers and Sawyers opined, “Play is the foundation of children’s healthy development.”

Crow and Crow: “Play can be defined as the activity in which a person engages when he is
free to do what he wants.”

So, it can be concluded that play is a volitional, autonomous, instinctive and creative
activity, or an activity that manifests these activities and which gives amusement and pleasure
to the individual. The term “Play Way” was first used by Caldwell Cook to describe his
method of teaching English.

Video link : Scan with QR Code

Concept of Play
https://youtu.be/5vilmxK-760