Observational Essay on Play Behavior of a 3.5-Year-Old Child
Play Observation Assignment
Instructions for Observation
• Watch video “6 Types of Play”
• Watch video “PLAY OBSERVATION VIDEO- FOR PAPER”
• Take notes on what is happening with the little girl in the pink shirt—you can call her “Jane”. We are going to assume she is 3.5 years old.
• Using your notes and examples from the video write the following in essay format
Content of Paper
I. Introduction
Describe the setting of the observation:
• What is going on in the room at the time of your observation? (Free play, snack, circle etc.)
II. Observation (this is a re-writing of your notes into a anecdotal format)—PAST TENSE
Describe in detail what you see the child doing and saying.
• Who was playing?
• How were they playing?
• What was being said? USE AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE
III. Analysis
Using the information from the observation information above:
• Correctly identify at least 2 types of Cognitive play. Give an example of this play that you observed. (see “Types of Play” in book).
Explain HOW this example is this type of play—what makes it _____ play.
• Correctly identify at least 2 types of Social Play. Give an example of this play that you observed. (see “Types of Play” in book).
Explain HOW this example is this type of play—what makes it _____ play.
• According to the information presented in class and your text identify and describe any role the adults in the room may have played during the observation. Reflection
IV. Reflection
Identify 3 benefits of the play you saw.
• What in the play supports these benefits? Make your answer specific to what you observed. Do not generalize.
Observational Essay on Play Behavior of a 3.5-Year-Old Child
I. Introduction
During the observation, the setting was a playroom with various toys and activities available for children. The atmosphere was lively, with several children engaged in free play, exploring different toys and interacting with each other.
II. Observation
Little Jane, a 3.5-year-old girl in a pink shirt, caught my attention during the observation. She was playing with a dollhouse, arranging furniture and dolls in different rooms. Jane was narrating a story as she moved the dolls around, giving each one a distinct voice and personality. She seemed focused and engaged in her imaginative play, occasionally giggling and talking to herself.
III. Analysis
Cognitive Play
1. Symbolic Play: Jane's interaction with the dolls and dollhouse exemplifies symbolic play. By assigning roles and attributes to the dolls, she engages in symbolic representation, a key aspect of cognitive development.
2. Constructive Play: Jane also engages in constructive play when she rearranges the furniture in the dollhouse. This type of play involves building or creating something, enhancing her spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Social Play
1. Parallel Play: Observing Jane's interaction with other children, she displays parallel play by playing alongside them without direct interaction. This type of social play allows her to observe and mimic others' actions while maintaining her focus on her own play.
2. Cooperative Play: At one point, Jane collaborates with another child to create a story using the dolls. They take turns adding to the narrative, demonstrating cooperative play by working together towards a common goal.
Role of Adults
The adults in the room occasionally join the children in play, providing guidance and support when needed. They offer encouragement, facilitate interactions between children, and ensure a safe and stimulating environment for play.
IV. Reflection
Benefits of Play
1. Enhanced Imagination: The play I observed fosters creativity and imagination in children like Jane. Through storytelling and role-playing, she explores new scenarios and expands her imaginative capabilities.
2. Social Skills Development: Engaging in social play benefits Jane by improving her communication skills and ability to cooperate with peers. Interaction with other children promotes empathy, sharing, and turn-taking.
3. Cognitive Growth: The cognitive challenges presented in play, such as organizing the dollhouse or creating narratives, stimulate Jane's cognitive development. These activities enhance problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
In conclusion, the observation of Jane engaging in different types of play highlights the multifaceted benefits of play in early childhood development. By understanding the cognitive and social aspects of play, we can appreciate its role in nurturing essential skills and fostering holistic growth in young children like Jane.