Thursday, February 21, 2008

Child's Play


Another article for parents and students of developmental psychology. Remember "the play years" - that age from 2-6 when the child's work is play? That's the topic of this article from NPR: how child's play promotes cognitive growth and how child's play has changed.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like to try different ways of playing with my daughter, ways that are fun and educational . I take her outside and instead of just letting her swing and slide, we also walk around the yard and I show her what things are. I pick things up or point to objects and say "this is a leaf" or "this is a stick".

Anonymous said...

Wow - i would have never imagined that a child's playtime, and how they went about doing it, could affect them on a much larger scale. These articles are amazing to me. In some sense I feel like we are destroying our children by giving them "better" toys. So what would be the better option? Give them a GREAT toy with lots of gadgets or peak their curiosity by letting them "think up" a toy? You want to give your children the better things in life, but in this case - - which is it?

Richard Godley said...

Yeah this is Richard Godley and I think this is facinating, even though I do not have any kids, its good to know when I decide to do so.

Lorea B. said...

This article has many interesting facts and opinions. The point that was made in the article that took my attention was that a child’s imagination may be diminishing when the parents let them play with high tech toys. I notice a change in a child’s time spent outdoors as well. In my neighborhood I hardly see any kids outside playing "make believe." However, they can be found inside the house playing the latest game that came out on "Wii".

Anonymous said...

With me being a mom for the first time I had always thought that I would have to buy new toys that said that are educational. Now that I know just having a imagination is better for a young child to have. Now when my son gets older I would know that he can play by learning from me instead of toys.

Tina Coward said...

yes that is one of the main things i do with my child i am always trying to help her learn different things because weathy she knows it or not her life will be center around education.

Anonymous said...

Technology that allows children to learn is wonderful, however it can also be harmful. Some parents are allowing technology to take over their childs activites. First, its educational video games, next gaming, next harmful video games that have a negative influence on the children. Children need to be explosed to many different types of learning.

Anonymous said...

Kellie Alligood
Play is VERY IMPORTANT! Children can learn almost everything through play. I work with children and it is amazing how many things they are able to learn by playing. They leqrn about the world around them and how to interact with others. Play also builds creativity. Play always affects children on a larger scale. They get more time outside and they grow in the world around them and are less likely to be obese. They also learn to respect nature.

Anonymous said...

Very good article. I agree TV is the worst for kids, even the best-rated shows, because of lack in imagination. Now I realize, the best rated toys are also not the best. The most common "brain drain" is the TV.

Anonymous said...

Interesting. I think that child's play has truly changed over the years. Now a days they hardly go outside and explore . The t.v and video games are what they are interested in now. Esther Wilson

Anonymous said...

"Tina Dunn"...
I too believe play is very important in the pre-school years. It gives children a chance to explore things more individually without instruction. I believe it helps broaden their imaginations and promotes more creative play with their friends and classmates aiding in more social activities and bonding.

It too is important to teach children all you can when they are in a school setting but it's just equally important to give them their own individual play time.

I enjoyed the article and can relate to it. I have children ages 5 to 19 years of age and times have changed.

Tina Dunn
PSY 241 BCCC "Spring"

Anonymous said...

I never would've thought that letting kids have toys could corrupt their minds. Children are the future so I can understand drilling cognitive skills into their mind but I also think that child's play defines who the child will be in the future. If they are only taught basic skills, what will happen to artists and writers, etc.? They'll disappear if children aren't allowed to use their imagination.

alex lea

Anonymous said...

I am getting close to that age where having a child is coming up in conversation between my girlfriend and myself. I am 23 and she is 22, and we both see it in our future, the next 5-6 years or so. Articles like this are becoming a craving for me. I want to know all I can so I will be ready for my children. Great article and it is one I will no doubt hold onto.

Doug Jones

Anonymous said...

this is very true...the more years go by the more technological the world gets. Before we know it kids are not even going to know what hide and seek is. It appears to be better in the long run if we allow our children to just simply "play" rather than give them expensive toys. -April Woolard (WHS)

Anonymous said...

I found it very interesting to learn how playing has changed over the years. Society is now indeed focused more on the toys rather than the skills learned behind imaginative playing. I also found it interesting that you could not develop certain skills you need by not talking to yourself.
Susan Braddy(WHS)

Anonymous said...

Many things have changed since the 20th century, not just the availbilty of toys, and the way our children play. If we compared the way we look at mental health back then, and the availibilty of medications for it now, we would be facing a similar question. Is the old way always better?

Brandy kinion

Anonymous said...

This article is very true. As more technology and play tools the less children play and concentrate on anything. I see kids who go out to eat with there families and instead of experiencing a family dinner they watch a movie on their portable DVD player all throughout dinner. I say parents play a big role in what the kids have and what they play with. Parents need to take a stand so their childrens imagination doesnt just sit around fade away.