I have chosen a chapter in a book called ‘Childhood Studies, A Readers Perspective of Childhood’.  The chapter I have chosen to write about is called ‘Children at Play’. This chapter focuses on the value of play for children, how play helps children to develop holistically and the different first hand experiences children can gain by playing and expressing themselves through play. This is why observing children playing is important and children as active players and social beings. The reason I chose this chapter, is because it underpins why play is important not just for the child but, also to us, as the adult. “Themes of children’s play are mostly influenced by their own experiences either first hand or second hand experiences, such as those who gleaned from television or stories.’’ (Nutbrown et al, 2008) This suggests that children can also  get second hand experiences when either watching a television programme, or storytelling and listening.

Observing children when playing is a fascinating experience, offering a window into the child’s life and the things that are important to the children themselves.  “Play is very fundamental to children, as it’s the most natural way into which children learn and develop new skills.” (Richard , A reader in perceptive of childhood, 2000)

Throughout reading this chapter it tells us that children are emotional beings and that they can progress and learn to control their emotions through play. Children lives are a social world and learning to play with other children and develop new healthy relationships with them, is important for their personal development.  ‘‘Emotions play a critical part in teaching and learning. We therefore need to make sure that early years settings are emotionally positive and supportive workplaces for all learners’’  ( How children learn , Linda P ,2006) Children learning to take turns and share is also important part, of their childhood. This can help a child throughout their life and future attachments that the child might make with other children or adults.

Tina Bruce’s, theory on play was influenced by Fiederich Frobel, Bruce believed that children do not learn through play, but instead practice what they have already learned on their play. Children learn from first hand experiences and by them having the chance to develop, extends their knowledge on their strengths and weaknesses  Tina Bruce believed that children make up rules in their play in order to gain control, rule making can allow children to develop on their independence  and to understand their boundaries. Throughout playing, children are given the chance to understand the world around them, play encourages creativity and imagination. Children attempting to define their boundaries through play. These are the enjoyments of play, open endless play, spontaneity, voluntariness’ and active engagements Jean M, Richard M children Studies,2000

Pound, L. (2006). How children learn From Montessori to Vygotsky – educational theories and approaches made easy. london: practical pre-school.

Tassoni, penny (2008) practical handbook. Edited by caroline low. 2008th edn. essex: penny tassoni.

nutbrown, c. and clough, p. (2008). Early childhood education. London: sage.