Play is crucial to physical, emotional, social and cognitive development in children. Vygotsky believed that adults interacting with children while they play, make learning through play a whole lot better.
Adults can play a few roles in children's play. These are:
Manager
Facilitator
Player
A Manager would stand around and watch children play and intervene if they needed anything or help to solve an argument.
A Facilitator might help the children learn the rules of a game or set up an environment for the children to explore.
A Player gets down and plays with the children either next to them (parallel play), together with them (a co-player) or by teaching them something (play tutor).
Kate USED to think that playing was a "kid thing" and that her job was just to be the safety officer. NOW Kate knows how to play WITH children and that this is an important part of her job.
This is what PLAY looks like for Kate, with the top 2 rules being "OPEN UP" and "JOIN IN"! Kate did this really well when playing doctors with the children!
Use positive body language
so children can see you want to play with them - don't slouch, look down or have a grumpy face.
Talk to the children while you play
talk about your own life and your interests like dancing, walking, sewing, your cats and ask them about theirs.
"How was your weekend?" is a great place to start. Talk about your own weekend.
Talk about your holidays. Ask the children about theirs. Talk about Sydney.
Follow the children's lead
and participate when they invite you to
Start the play
for example sit down at a table or learning experience and start to draw or play with the play doh and the children will just come and join you. If they don't automatically come, invite them to join in.
Be at the children's level when you play
get dirty and messy
sit on the floor
do the obstacle course
play with the sand in the sand pit
join in the pretend games like doctors
Be enthusiastic (excited about playing)
laugh, smile, have fun with the children
Help the children stay interested
in the play by asking them questions and offering suggestions. Help them if they need help but be careful not to do things for them. Show them how to do it instead
For other examples Kate being a player and facilitator see the posts on Hopscotch, Basketball with Olivia and Kate Plays Doctors
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