Values of Play

Values Of Play

The value of play stems from birth with Mother and Child. Bonding and nurturing, stimulating of sensors begins the structuring of play. From this stage the basic needs are recognised, we create an environment of security and comfort, which in turn other values start to develop.

These being the sense of belonging, signs of wellbeing, the want to communicate and exploration. All these through play and guidance from the adult and the community start developing the child. We then need to introduce materials to accommodate for this growth. This accommodation can be provided through early childhood practice and with the knowledge and the role of the teachers the child’s development has direction.

Within the centre the adult and child are shown trust and understanding, so in return creating a comforting and reassuring feeling of security. Allowing the child to look and observe, maybe play encourages visits to develop a sense of place.

“Connecting links with family and the wider world.”(Te whariki, Belonging, Strand 2, Pg54)

Centres of early childhood introduce development of Mana reo (Communication) and Mana Whenua (Belonging) using these strands from Te Whariki to help build play.

Communication develops, with activities such as mat-time and reading, this enhances the sense of belonging, which is recognised with routine: eg; putting away toys for mat-time.

Once these values are established other areas begin to grow these being areas of emotional development. This development comes though with the use of Play Dough, music and dance. Glover(201,p.10) states “These perceptions are vital to developing feelings of well-being and self esteem and are based on children’s increasing skills of understanding of their world.”

Placing activities such as these in the play area also stimulates the imagination and nurtures the creativeness of the child.

References:

Dodge, D. T., Colker, L. J., Heroman, C., Bickert, T. S. (2002). The Creative...