My Personal Research Journey

Don't Underestimate the Value of Play

http://kidgreen-donna.blogspot.com

Many may think of play as something children enjoy doing when learning time is over. Actually, quite the opposite is true. When a child plays,they are learning. Many times when children are enjoying and embracing new things, it is through play that captures the excitement and love of new things (Bongiorno, 2012). 

The topic I have chosen for the research simulation is -The Importance of Play in Learning and How to Best use Play as part of a Developmentally Appropriate Practice. This topic is important to me for several reasons. We have become so caught up in teaching to the standards, that most school districts have shortened recess time, cut out extra-curriculum activities and all but removed free-play time in the classroom. Teachers seem to not know, or have forgotten how to incorporate creative learning into their lesson plans. It seems to be more and more children are becoming accustomed to being entertained through video games, media and the internet. The art of allowing children to entertain themselves through imagination and free-play seems to be dwindling. Could the art of free, physical play become a thing of the past?

However, new research has shown support for the value of allowing children time to explore and create freely. Center-based early learning programs that allow children time to make choices about their activities, have shown great benefits both socially and emotionally from pre-school through adulthood (Harvard, 2010). Yet, the value of play is still widely misunderstood and not utilized nearly enough.

Through my research, I am hoping to uncover even more evidence based information that I can share with my peers, parents and administration. If any of my classmates have advice or insights pertaining to my upcoming research, please feel free to share. If you come across a reliable article pertaining to the value of play, I would love to hear more about it. If you have any experiences or thoughts on this topic, I too would love to hear what you have to say.

References

Bongiorno, L., (2012). 10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play. Retrieved from:http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2010). The foundations of lifelong health are built in early childhood. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/foundations-of-lifelong-health/ by clicking on "Download PDF" link.

http://chosen4children.blogspot.com
 

Dorcas- What a fascinating subject you have chosen for your research simulation. Autism has so many facets. Some people have very minimal symptoms and others many. In my experience working with children who have autism and/or aspergers, the one common symptom most of them have is difficulty communicating and social issues. For several years I worked in a program where we would take these children out into the community to learn strategies to communicate better and get more comfortable learning how to depend less on others and become more self-sufficient. It was a rewarding and challenging job. Good-luck with your research and your upcoming journeys.
Donna

http://julievillers.blogspot.com 
 Julie- I have been a special educator for almost 20 years. Over the years I have seen students go from mostly "self-contained" to almost totally included in regular education. Personally, I think inclusion benefits all who are involved with the HUGE understanding that the regular education teacher has a strong support system in place. It takes a team to make inclusion work for all. I'm hoping the two students in your classroom, have a special educator or assistant working with them as well as the other students in the class. Without the proper support and resources, inclusion for children with developmental delays is a serious detriment to the all students in the classroom. It can also lead to "burnout" for the classroom teacher. Never be afraid to ask for help and resources.
Good-luck with your research.