The theories of play and cognitive development

CLASSIC THEORIES OF PLAY AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT (PIAGET AND OR VYGOTSKY)

1.     PLAY, AND GAMES (Social & Emotional development)

            Cognitive developmental theorist like Piaget and Vygotsky believed that play is the  natural way of activities for children to explore, enjoy the freedom and learn naturally. Play will definitely promote social and emotional development for children through interacting, taking turns, sharing and helping other children in the group.

            Activity: Dressed Up (Theme: Farm)

Objective: At the end of the game, the children should be able to know the concepts of taking turns, and learn to interact their peers in a good manner.

Materials: dresses for farm, animal costumes, props

Rules: Introduce the activity to the children. Let them choose who they are in the play. Then after choosing, give them the costume and if they have their own they can use it. Let the children help you place the props in the middle of the classroom if the weather is bad, if not it is good to play outside. You can make this play as free play, meaning they can say and do anything they want and how they care the animals. You can make also as scripted. However, in this play I rather chose the free play because it is where they have freedom to learn naturally.

Explanation: Dressed up play is already proven as a fantastic way of promoting social and emotional development for children because they will learn how to take turns, sharing ideas if the play is free play. Children will also understand the feelings of others and even in caring animals.