Play: Modern & Post Modern Theory Origin & History

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Introduction

Early childhood is characterized by play. To show how important it is for a child to be given a chance to explore through play, the United Nations has an official recognition of childs play as a right for children. For a childs growth, play is very important because it is through it that children internalize and practice the realities of life. It is an intrinsic nature for children to have the curiosity to explore and through play, this is easily achieved.

However, for children to completely benefit from play, these five elements must be realized. For play to be effective, it has to be pleasurable and enjoyable, should not have formal learning, must be spontaneous and voluntary, must be engaging to the child, and should involve the element of fantasy (Cherry, 2012). Other characteristics of child play are; it should be child-initiated, process-oriented, intrinsic, and intermittent, rule-governed, and symbolic (Rollins, 2012).

Play theories

Modern theory

Play theories are classified into three categories which are; classical, modern, and contemporary perspectives (Cherry, 2012). The classical perspective is focused on the utilization of excess energy in children through play. However, unlike classical theory, the modern theory focuses on the impacts of play on a childs development. Psychologists suggest that children learn effectively when they participate physically and intellectually in the play. As Rollins (Johnson, Chrisitie, & Wardle, 2005) asserts, children will be best served if they would be allowed to learn and be creative in their pay time.

In this strategy, the child is allowed to move at his or her own convenient pace while the teacher collaborates to help them learn as they play (Johnson, Chrisitie, & Wardle, 2005). This is an intellectual development process and it occurs in stages influenced by the childs play. These stages include the incorporation of the outside world to try and figure out ones own agenda (Cherry, 2012). Through play, children are able to develop social skills and learn how to interact with other children. This means that play is a social development tool for children.

As they play, children develop communication skills and languages that they use to understand each other easily and effectively through role-playing. Play is a preparatory tool for adulthood. Through play, children develop both mentally and socially and as they grow up into adulthood they no longer get amused by playing rather by their occupation (Cherry, 2012). Playing trains children to be better and healthy working grownups.

Modern theory advocates for more time to be spent at meals and sleep for efficient growth. The study has shown that children who spend more time sleeping and eating have fewer behavioral problems. In essence, these children are closer to their parents hence they are exposed to protective surveillance.

Contemporary theory

Contemporary theory bases its argument on the surrounding by suggesting that a childs development is highly influenced by the environment and the child itself. The surrounding encompasses family, cultural practices, community beliefs, and the larger societal expectations. In all three categories, one thing is very clear; the idea that play is of the essence in the development of a child. There is a famous quote that emphasizes the importance of play; work with no play makes jack a dull boy.

Adults need to work in order to develop and so does a child need to play for them to develop. In simple terms, play is a childs occupation. In the past children were seen as little versions of the adults and their childhood development was often ignored. The situation is different today as childrens growth needs were given attention at the beginning of the 20th century although by then only children with special cases of abnormality were targeted (Cherry, 2012). Today at least things are far much better than it was back then. Parents are more aware of the importance of early childhood development.

Conclusion

As discussed in the previous paragraphs, it is evidently clear that childhood development has a serious impact on overall adulthood. There are skills that an individual can best learn in childhood to prepare them for future adulthood. An effective development in childhood is a sure development of effective adults and all-rounded individuals. Play is the essence of growth and development and must be taken very seriously while the child is growing up. During childhood play, a character is developed and the pillars of adulthood are formed.

In the real sense, adults do not change from who they were in childhood only that they develop their character and behave more responsibly. I conquer with the theorists especially with the contemporary postmodern theory that a childs behavior and growth is shaped mostly by their surrounding. Children born in families that recognize the importance of a childs play are more likely to develop better than those born in families that do not conform to this reality. In a nutshell, childhood development is the determining factor of our adulthood behavior.

References

Cherry, K. (2012). Child Development Theories Major Theories of Child Development. Web.

Johnson. J., Chrisitie, J., & Wardle, F. (2005). Play, Development, and Early Education. New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Rollins, S. (2012). Theories about Play in Early Childhood Education. Web.

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Play: Modern & Post Modern Theory Origin & History

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