Developement of Children Through Play

The Development of Children through Play

Excelsior College

Lifespan Developmental Psychology

Dr. Asil Ozdogru

Abstract

Vygotsky’s theory offers an opportunity to comprehend how significant play can be in every child’s development, with the concept of play based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. Vygotsky’s theory of play connected to the environment offers an approach to development that supports modern educational concerns and encourages learners toward personal and educational growth. Vygotsky’s theory of play and child development suggests that through play children learn critical thinking skills, as well as use their own thoughts to resolve issues. Vygotsky’s theory not only addresses the needs of regular classroom students, but those within special education programs as well.

The Development of Children through Play

There have been many educators that focus on the work of Piaget in relation to childhood play and education, rather than the work of Vygotsky (Berk, 2001). However, further research has shown that as time goes by there is a greater focus on the theories of Vygotsky, because it not only addresses the needs of regular classroom students, but those within special education programs as well (Berk, 2001). When discussing the child playing in relation to learning, Vygotsky’s theory provides an opportunity to understand how important play can be in every child’s development, with the concept of play being based on the Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. It has been shown, therefore, that while many educators have historically accepted Piaget as the only authority in relation to the play of children, Vygotsky’s theory of play connected to the environment offers an approach to development that supports modern educational concerns and motivates young learners toward personal and educational growth.

“In play a child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; in play, it is as though he were a head taller...