10- Play Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is play?
Voluntary activities that children engage in with no specific motivation beyond their enjoyment
Play supports social, cognitive, and physical development
What are the two main approaches to defining play?
Functional approach and Structural approach
Functional approach focuses on the purpose of play; Structural approach describes behaviors occurring in play
What are the five essential characteristics of play identified by Rubin et al. (1983)?
- Intrinsically motivated
- Freely chosen by the child
- Pleasurable
- Non-literal
- Active engagement
These characteristics help differentiate play from other activities
What are Burghardt’s (2011) criteria for recognizing play?
- Incompletely functional
- Spontaneous and pleasurable
- Differs from serious behaviors
- Repeated but not stereotypic
- Occurs under conditions of abundance
These criteria highlight the unique nature of play
True or False: Play has proven difficult to define and all approaches have limitations.
True
The complexity of play means it will always defy a single definition
What cues do children use to identify play according to Howard et al. (2002)?
- They are outdoors
- They are sitting on the floor
- There are other children there
- They’re doing what they want to do
Children differentiate play from work using environmental and emotional cues
Why is play important for children?
- Supports social development
- Enhances cognitive skills
- Aids physical development
- Allows expression of thoughts and feelings
- Helps in problem-solving
- Promotes self-control and sharing
- Develops language and literacy skills
- Teaches about others and cultures
Play is a multifaceted tool for growth
What are the types of play mentioned?
- Physical Activity play
- Rough-and-tumble play
- Manipulative play
- Pretend play
Different types of play contribute to various developmental skills
What did Parten (1933) identify in her study of social play?
Six progressive phases of developing social play
As children age, they exhibit increasingly sophisticated social behaviors
What are the stages of play according to Piaget’s cognitive development theory?
- Sensorimotor (birth to 2 years)
- Preoperational (2 to 7 years)
- Concrete operational (7 to 11 years)
- Formal operational (11 years onwards)
Each stage reflects children’s cognitive capacities and influences their play
What factors influence play according to research?
- Technology
- Socioeconomic status
- Culture
- Gender stereotypes
These factors can affect the types and quality of play experiences
Define ‘peers’ in the context of childhood.
People of approximately the same age and status
Peers play a crucial role in social development
What are the three stages of friendship development identified by Bigelow & La Gaipa (1980)?
- Reward Cost Stage (7-8 years)
- Normative Stage (9-10 years)
- Empathic Stage (11-12 years)
Each stage reflects a shift in how children perceive and engage in friendships
What are characteristics of preschool friendships?
- Not very selective
- Dictated by physical proximity
- Synonymous with being playmates
Young children often choose friends based on immediate circumstances
What do older children value in friendships?
- Desirable characteristics
- Shared interests and values
- Trust and loyalty
Older children’s friendships become more emotionally rewarding
What are the sociometric categories identified by Coie et al. (1982)?
- Popular
- Controversial
- Neglected
- Rejected
- Average
These categories help classify children’s peer relationships based on acceptance and impact
What characteristics are associated with popular children?
- Socially skilled
- Cooperative
- Friendly
- Helpful
- Sensitive to others
Popular children often possess emotional and behavioral strengths
What defines neglected children in peer groups?
Withdrawn but relatively socially competent
They are not especially liked or disliked and often go unnoticed
What are the characteristics of aggressive-rejected children?
- Prone to physical aggression
- Disruptive behavior
- Difficulty finding constructive social solutions
These children often struggle with peer acceptance due to their behavior
What is a key finding regarding friendships and developmental outcomes?
Having a reciprocated best friendship relates to positive social outcomes and self-perceived competence later in life
Friendships can significantly influence future social skills
Fill in the blank: The amount and types of play children engage in varies with factors such as _______.
[culture and SES]
These factors can shape children’s play experiences and opportunities
What are the universal and culturally-specific dimensions of social play?
Some dimensions are universal, while others are influenced by collectivist vs individualist societies
Cultural context shapes children’s play and peer interactions
