For the simulation and this course, I decided
to focus on the topic; the importance of play in early childhood development.
This topic has become a recent interest because of the information I have
learned in previous classes and my experience working in a prekindergarten
program located in a day care setting. Throughout my journey in the EC field, I
have been taught many different views on the role of play during early
learning. In college, play was never a focal point of my learning. The information
I was taught never showed the importance of play and focused more on teaching
standards and how to incorporate them to each subject area. Even during my
student teaching, the time children spent playing was limited to a few minutes
outside and the time spent in gym, which was about 20 minutes, two days a week.
Play was hardly incorporated into the daily routine of the children. It wasn’t
until I began taking classes at Walden that I began to learn the importance of
play in a classroom. I also began to learn more through my training and work
done at my current job. My job stresses the importance of play in the classroom
and pushes us to incorporate more activities in which children play an active
role in their learning through exploration and just being wide-eyed curious
children. The classes I have taken thus far have showed me that children can
learn a lot through play but what I wonder is how it helps in their development.
The simulation process has been very eye
opening thus far. I have learned a lot about finding resources that are
credible. Though the process seems like it takes a lot of work and at first
glance can be a little overwhelming, I think once I get into the groove of
things I will be okay. The research chart has been a great tool in
understanding new terminology and breaking down my topic in a way that makes
the research process a little more understandable. Even the information on how
to read research papers has been very helpful. Without it I probably would have
tried to read an entire research paper and then began to freak out when I didn’t
understand what I read. I have learned a lot so far and look forward to
learning morning.
Before
I end this week’s blog, I would like to ask my colleagues to share any
resources they may have on my topic and I would gladly do the same in return.
Thanks.
Ashley
I think that focusing on play in the early childhood field is very important. Children at the older grades should still get time throughout the school day to play, but the younger the children are, the more time they should get to play. Some teachers do not understand how important play is, especially at such a young age. Play allows the young children to develop their cognitive development, social development and several other developments. Play starts to develop a person at their young age and they are learning on their own. Teachers can also learn a lot when watching children play. Overall, I think that this is a great topic that you chose! There is so much information on this topic!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic ou have chosen to research. I am on the same page with you when it comes to finally seeing the importance of play in preschool. I think the idea of play is a new concept that veterans in the field are not completely understanding of. I think you will have a very easy time finding information on this topic.
Tara Fleishman
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI love your post. I hope that play is extended and taken seriously soon. I can not understand why early childhood has been viewed to be elusive for a long time now. Play is needed and it needs to extend past early childhood; for this is how young children learn.
Mia Gully