Early Childhood...learning through play Assignment

Early Childhood...learning through play - Assignment Example Generally, play performs an important role in children development. Role of play in Child Development According to Johnson et al., (2004), play is necessary in development because it generates cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children. Through play, children employ their creativity in developing their imagination, skills and physical, emotional, and cognitive powers. Children participate and interact in the world around them via play. In addition, play enables children to discover and generate ideas that they can master by practicing adult roles without fear (Ginsburg, 2007). Children’s development needs such as enhanced self-confidence and resiliency for future challenges are obtained through play as they posses knowledge about practical issues. Play enables children develop teamwork through learning how to participate in groups and to share. Play enhances children’s ability to learn how to settle and resolve conflicts, and understand self-advoca cy abilities. However, Ginsburg, (2007) argue that if play is permitted to be self-driven, children perform decision-making skills, establish their own areas of interest, and involve themselves in the passions they desire to practice in future. Moreover, play also builds energetic and healthy bodies. Development needs such as speech and language skills are met through child play. Play also gives opportunities for children to practice listening. However, children reinforce their language skills by replicating other children and adults. Considering that, the play is companion based, children talk and listen to each other in the course of playing. Social interaction skills and competence are developed through play. Johnson et al., (2004) claim that imaginative play and role-playing assist in brain development. Play facilitates brain development by inspiring the brain through configuration of connections between nerve cells. Children who participate in plays exhibit high levels of inter action than those who do not. Play is critical in children’s academic environment. Ginsburg, (2007), argues that play makes certain that school setting focus on social, emotional and cognitive development. Children are able to adjust to the school settings and develop their learning readiness and behaviors through play. Use and Value of Play within the Program Play is valued and used in early childhood development program by having child advocates who should consider all the factors, which interfere with optimal development and establish situation that enable children benefits of play since every child deserves the right to their exceptional prospective (Ginsburg, 2007). Play enhances children problem-solving skills for example, children playing games and puzzles boost their problem-solving abilities. In addition, children learn several roles of family members through play. For example pretending to be the father or mother in a play role enables the children understand the ro le of father and mother in a family. Role of the Environment in Support of Play Environment facilitates children development through learning and play. According to Malone et al., (2003), the best play environments for children are those established considering children’s natural play needs and play behavior involved in at diverse developmental eras, involving social, physical, and cognitive types of play. The method in which the environment is designed and configured manipulates children’