What’s the point of play? #136
“They just played this afternoon.”
There’s something about the just in that sentence that we all worry about in our children’s play. What if what they are doing isn’t enough? Unstrucutred play- how will I know that they are playing and learning and doing and and. If they have a book, a toy a something at least we know they are getting things done. That’s playing right?
Children need to play. We hear it all the time but what is play? There’s no easy way to explain it. Don’t worry this isn’t a philosophical episode or long definition about play instead we’re exploring what play is so that we can do more of it in our homes. Knowing what play is helps us choose preschools, clubs, and classes. There’s lots of pressure to get it right….do more….. start early. Always at the back of our mind we wonder are we doing the right thing. What if this play thing is wrong and my child is behind?
Dr Roberta Golinkoff, professor at the University of Deleware.She holds the H. Rodney sharp Chair in the School of Education at the University of Delaware & has joint appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Linguistics is the guest for this episode. We’re covering a wide area of play for us to make up our minds about the play we have going on in our homes.
In the links below you’ll find some discussion questions to take away and talk with your spouse, partner, friends and family. It’s not until you talk about play that you find allies in your area and fellowship in numbers. In the comments, share your experiences of events( classes or clubs) you’ve been to that you went to for play? After hearing about the 5 elements of play how do they measure up?
69. Everyday sensory alphabet activities
Introducing the latest addition to the Raising Playful Tots family – Everyday sensory alphabet activities
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67. Unexpected playtime and learning experiences
The ups and downs of Raising a playful tot discussed in this weeks episode with one personal incident and 5 unexpected playtime and learning experiences.
Image credit: Barbara Rich
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You can
- download the MP3 file for this podcast here . Or
- directly by clicking subscribe through iTunes. Or
- hear via your iphone, Android or smartphone. Or
- clicking the link below
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Show notes::
