Strengths Of Play

This essay will explore the play provision in which the setting is providing. Strengths and weaknesses will be discussed and ways in which these can be improved; using research from different play pioneers and theorists to help deepen the understanding of provision and how to make sure it is always inclusive and supporting the holistic child’s individual needs. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was ratified by the UK government in 1991. Under Article 31 of the Convention it states that:
“Children have the right to relax and play, and to
He reports that Greek and Roman children played with different objects. Greek children enjoyed making balls for pigs’ bladders showing their creativity side and Roman children liked to play with toy soldiers. They also took part in running and jumping games and piggybacked fights. Hoops were made out of the iron frames of wheels. Depending on the society in which children live, children’s play would be reflected. In the case of Greek and Roman children, physical activities took place alongside adults. During this period, play was never documented as it was not considered worthy of doing so. By the 18th Century play was valued. Rousseau believed that children should be able to roam freely and explore the outdoors ready to learn and read through play. He believed that children looked at play and work as a whole and that children should play as a right for it showed their potential. In 1998, Saracho and Spodek (2007, p23) describe two approaches to play in the 19th and 20th centuries; classical and modern dynamic. The classical theories were to explain the reason that play existed. The reasons