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What is Happening to Play?
July 22, 2013
The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.
-William Dean Howells
-William Dean Howells
"Free, spontaneous, and self-initiated play was once the norm for young children. This is no longer the case. Even toys for infants both talk and move with little left to the child's imagination.... Both parents and early childhood educators, who once encouraged young children to choose their own activities, are being pressured to replace them with adult directed games, sports, and academic instruction.
"All of this reflects a changed conception of the meaning and value of play. Free, spontaneous, and self-initiated play was once welcomed as a measure of healthy growth and development. Today, however, true play is often looked upon as frivolous and a waste of time. Only toys and games that are educational, in the sense of teaching concepts such as colors, or tool skills such as reading, are worthwhile. In short, even for young children, promoting academic and athletic achievement is now seen to be more important than the encouragement of imagination and creativity."
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Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsFamily Child Care Project
Arlington, Massachusetts, United States
I agree with Elkind about play, but would go one step further. For young children to direct their own play, especially in a rich environment, promotes all kinds of cognitive development and academic readiness as well as social and emotional development. We are throwing out the baby with the bath water.
ece consultant
Dallas, TX, United States
*We, the older, and very experienced early childhood educators, (who know!) and of course anybody else who understands, must continue to still support "play" in as many ways as possible...when we are talking to parents of small children, when we are talking to educators who do not understand "Play" as integral, to share. We need to have an arsenal of important facts about how "play" is learning...I saw play in my classroom in the '80's, shape, guide our curriculum content, with the High/Scope curriculum. Our children, the community of "players" created their own content, and it was effective, unique, informing the assisting and facilitating adults how best to guide and support...what a time!
Madera, CA, United States
The alphabetic principle is based on a sound/symbol abstract concept. Human development of abstract thought is learned through the practice of mental representation. The tools for this type of practice are creative and imaginative play. So, how is it that academic learning discards play?
United States
This article is so right on.
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