TASK 1 ESSAY PLAN

Introduction
Definition of Play and play types
Play theories
Infant development
Play in a home setting and parent’s influence
Adult support in play
Play at an Early years Foundation setting
Role of practitioners
Montessori practice and principles, uniting work and play
Influence on physical, social, cognitive and emotional development
Conclusion

TASK 2 INTRODUCTION

Play is a crucial element in children’s learning and development, especially in their formative years from birth to six years of age. Play doesn’t have a set definition as such as it is so complex and there are many different play types and play theories I will cover briefly in this essay.
My main aim is to explore and discuss how play affects children from infancy to and through the early years foundation setting. I will focus on how parents influence and support play and the very important role practitioners have once children start nursery. This essay will also draw on key Montessori principles and practices where work and play are unified and show how much play contributes and is vital to children’s physical, social, cognitive and emotional development.
In conclusion I hope it becomes clear how play is an absolute key factor in learning and preparing children for tackling more demanding tasks in the future.

TASK 3 QUOTES
According to Macleod-Brudenell and Kay (2008, p207) “play underpins all development and learning for children young and old”.

A child naturally wants to perform various tasks he sees happening in his environment and this is not seen as purely copying, but acquiring “social and cultural mores and expectations, as well as absorbing different ways of overcoming problems or accessing learning” (Morris-Coole, 2009).

Linden (2002) suggests that in case is too much control is applied during play it becomes boring to children.

TASK 4