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Play

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Submitted By gemini84
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Play is a freely chosen and personally directed behaviour that actively engages children. It is very important that early years practitioners have a good grasp on this subject as the developmental usefulness of play for a child is extremely significant. For children, play provides them with the necessary skills to develop: socially, emotionally, physically and creatively. Bruce (2004) explores the fact that play is a valuable tool for children to discover their environment and to learn about why things happen using all of their senses both indoors and outdoors. The hypothesis that will be discussed throughout this essay is how play is important in early development and learning and how it serves both the child’s individual needs and the future society in which they will live in. This will be discussed and explored through reference to historical play pioneers, legislation, policy and guidance and theoretical knowledge on the social, cultural and intellectual perspectives on play. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (2008), created under the Childcare Act (2006), gives all practitioners across England guidance on a play based approach to learning. Therefore, assuming children do learn by play, practitioners and professionals must deliver planned, purposeful play which has a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities, as stated by QCA (2007). There should be a wide variety of different play methods that allows them to represent their own learning experiences. These opportunities provided for children in early years settings, need to enhance and develop all of their skills and abilities. This includes: communication with peers and other adults, exploring different environments that include taking risks, making mistakes and thinking creatively whilst using their imagination. These key skills can be seen to be available through a

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