Children learn mostly as a result of play, so if you are teaching them involve some play activities that will motivate them and be interesting.
Below are the qualities of a good play environment.
- Big space for playing because they like running around and everywhere if they are big children
- Ensure safety in the play environment this means no sharp objects, objects that are loose should be well fixed, register paint objects whose colours are getting off, smoothen sharp corners and always supervise them to ensure they are safe.
- The materials used by children during play should be age appropriate don’t give small materials to small children they might swallow them
- The materials also should be beautiful, of different colours, should be variety to cater for individual differences.
There are different types of play according to Mildred they include : Solitary play, Associative play, Parallel Play and Cooperative play.
Solitary Play is when a child plays alone and does not want to play with others, she might talk with her materials.
Associative Play is when children play together with one another but their activities are not harmonised, each child may want to build his or her own thing.
Parallel Play is when children play side by side, each with his or her own materials and there is no interaction between those children though each may be talking to his or her own material.
Cooperative Play is when children interact with one another, activities are harmonised, there is following of rules and also turn taking.
On looker Play, this is when a child does not physically engage in play, but follows play activities at a distance for example a. Child who watches other children play football and gives ideas to the players what to do.
As a parent or caregiver try and find out which stage of play your child is in so that he or she can enjoy play as well as learn. With time they will progress to the other stages.
Ensure you are there to be an observer , protector and mediator during play and other activities.