Double Entry Journal # 9

"In spite of the fact that the vital importance of play has been shown in study after study, many people believe that play is a waste of time in school. School, they say, should be a place for learning. There’s plenty of time for play at home."

I have taken many classes in High School and even have my CDS certificate, the thing that was stressed the most is play is so important. Children learn and  have been learning through play for centuries. It is some important for children to have time to play. Kindergarten is a very important time for children. This is the time for them to make social connections and learn how to behave around others. By playing children can do that, especially with role playing. They can learn how to act and how to play out every day scenarios. Playing also improves their language skills, they hear adults saying words and play is the time to try these new words out.

"The traditional kindergarten classroom that most adults remember from childhood—with plenty of space and time for unstructured play and discovery, art and music, practicing social skills, and learning to enjoy learning— has largely disappeared."

This is how I remember my Kindergarten classroom and it brings back great memories. Every child should go through this type of class. It is a great experience and a wonderful learning experience. I don't think it is a good idea to completly take play out of the class. Like the quote says, so many things come from a great Kindergarten class.

"In a healthy kindergarten, play does not mean "anything goes." It does not deteriorate into chaos. Nor is play so tightly structured by adults that children are denied the opportunity to learn through their own initiative and exploration. Kindergartners need a balance of child-initiated play in the presence of engaged teachers and more focused experiential learning guided by teachers."

I completly agree with this. There is a difference between play and out of control. A teacher just needs to know how to find the balance and everything will be fine. Play should have boundaries but should not be so structured that the children can't be creative.



I love this video because it shows so many things that children can leaern while simply playing.



Resources:
Kids role play [Web]. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClfhjMamM1Q

Miller, E., & Almon, J. (NA). Crisis in the kindergarten why children need to play in school . Retrieved from http://earlychildhoodcolorado.org/inc/uploads/Crisis_in_Kindergarten.pdf