Play with a Purpose and Thematic Unit
Part 1. Often play is not viewed as part of the learning experience, but instead as a break from it. Looking at what was said about play in Chapter 4 and the discussion on dramatic play this week, share what research says about play and its role in the early childhood classroom. Select one stage of play from the Developmentally Stages of Play section in Chapter 4 and share how that stage supports dramatic play. Then discuss the teacher’s role in that example (name the role and describe it).
Part 2. Share at least 1 community involvement and 1 family involvement opportunity you selected for your theme. Share what you selected and how you would go about doing this with a group of children and families. What would it take to happen?
Part 1
Play is a vital part of early childhood development. It is through play that children learn and grow in many different ways. Play helps children develop their:
Cognitive skills: Play helps children develop their problem-solving skills, their ability to think critically, and their creativity.
Social-emotional skills: Play helps children develop their ability to interact with others, to cooperate, and to resolve conflicts.
Language skills: Play helps children develop their vocabulary and their ability to communicate effectively.
Physical skills: Play helps children develop their gross motor skills, their fine motor skills, and their coordination.
In the early childhood classroom, play should be an integral part of the learning experience. Teachers should provide opportunities for children to play both indoors and outdoors. They should also provide a variety of materials and resources that children can use to play.
One stage of play that supports dramatic play is the stage of pretend play. In pretend play, children take on different roles and act out real-life or imaginary situations. Pretend play helps children develop their imagination, their creativity, and their social-emotional skills.
The teacher's role in supporting dramatic play is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can feel free to explore and experiment. The teacher should also provide props and materials that children can use to enhance their play.
For example, a teacher might provide a dress-up area with costumes, props, and a mirror. The teacher might also provide a block area with blocks, cars, and other vehicles. The teacher could then observe the children as they play and offer guidance and support as needed.
Part 2
Here are two community involvement and family involvement opportunities that I selected for my theme:
Community involvement:
Volunteer at a local animal shelter. This would be a great opportunity for children to learn about animals and to help care for them. The children could also learn about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Visit a local museum. This would be a great opportunity for children to learn about their community's history and culture. The children could also see art exhibits, artifacts, and other exhibits that would spark their curiosity and imagination.
Family involvement:
Host a family game night. This would be a fun way for families to come together and play games. The games could be educational, such as board games that teach math or reading skills. Or, the games could be simply for fun, such as charades or Pictionary.
Have a family picnic. This would be a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors and to spend time together. The picnic could be held at a local park, beach, or other outdoor space. The family could bring their own food and drinks, or they could have a potluck.
To make these opportunities happen, I would need to contact the local animal shelter, museum, or park. I would also need to contact the families of the children in my class to let them know about the opportunities and to get their RSVPs.
I believe that these community involvement and family involvement opportunities would be beneficial for the children in my class. They would help the children learn about their community, to develop their social skills, and to have fun.