The Value of Play

Summary

This lesson will help students recognize the the value of creative play.

Student Prior Knowledge

What is play?

• Play is a child's natural way of learning.
• Children test and practice new physical, mental and social skills through play.
• It is the way a child learns to concentrate, to imagine things, to try new ideas and to practice grown-up behavior.

Instructional Procedures

During the class period, student will learn about the value of play by participating in play activities. Depending on the class size, time and resources, set up different stations for students to do various play activities. For example, a class of 40 students can be divided into 8 groups of 5 students. The students are at each different activity for approximately 5 minutes.

While at each different activity, students are to complete the worksheet that asks the following questions:

• What is the center teaching?
• What activities are you doing that demonstrate the play concept?
• What can a child learn through play to help develop this skill?
• What other activities could you do to teach this concept?

Place the Play Center Notes around the room to help students answer these questions as they go from activity to activity.

Possible activities to include could be:

• Guess that Sound: Students listen to a CD of sound effects and try to guess what they are hearing.
• Puzzles
• Play-Doh
• Fruit Loop Necklaces
• Bubble Paint Art: Tempera paint with clear liquid soap and water, straws, cups and paper.
• Shaving cream art
• Card Games
• Lincoln Logs
• Bowling
• Jump Rope
• Jacks
• Marbles
• Finger Puppets
• Coloring Pages
• Magnets
• Small Motors