Play and Literacy

1. Play and Literacy

2. Introduction • What is play? “Play is the way children learn what we, as adults are unable to teach them. It is an activity that is self-directed, open-ended, free, spontaneous, and creative or unique. According to Vygotsky, ‘play serves as a tool of the mind enabling children to master their own behavior.’”

3. Types of literacy in play • Recess • Sidewalk chalk for writing, outside story time • Building blocks • Dramatic • Book related pretend play

4. Questions: • Why is play important? • What type of play is good for which students? • When is recess good for students? • How long does play and literacy need to be incorporated in the classroom?

5. Why is play important? • Students need to be more actively engaged so “play” allows them to creatively expand their literacy both through reading, writing, and speaking. • Play gives students a different side to learning and makes it more enjoyable for them. • Students learn new topics than they would not otherwise learn just sitting in a classroom. • “Play is a healthy part of a child’s development. The types of play are dramatic, active passive, skill mastery, sensory motor, and rough-and-tumble play. They are important because play provides a purpose for the child.” • It helps students better understand the world around them. • Play promotes social interaction between students.

6. Why is play important? • Children can learn to problem solve and work through dilemmas brought up through play. • Children learn how to express feelings and emotions. • Children learn turn taking and role making. • Children learn to have their individuality. • In looking back at the play process, children can write, read, and reflect on their experiences. The repetition of sharing reinforces play and literacy. • Teaches students to accept feedback

7. What type of play is good for which students? • Dramatic play is good for Kindergarten through Second grades. • Book related play is good for Preschool and Kindergarten. • Building blocks are good for Preschool through First grade.

8. Why is recess good for students? • Recess is good for all grade groups because it gives their minds a break even if they are participating in literacy related play. • It decreases stress and gives students an outlet. • Increases physical activity • Increases social development because students can join together and use their creativity to play new games. • Recess builds upon what they learn through reading and writing because they can take what they learn to the playground.

9. How long does play and literacy need to be incorporated into the classroom? • There is not necessarily a designated time because students can continue to be creative throughout their schooling. • The activities will turn “project-based” rather than “play-based.” • In later grade, students will not be designated play time, but they will still have time to be actively engaged in their imaginations and the creative process.

10. Multiple Perspectives • Against • Many parents and teachers don’t believe that play is beneficial to children’s learning. They believe in more formal academic schooling where reading, writing, and arithmetic is of utmost important. • For • Play, like the development of language, is developmentally appropriate, intellectually stimulating, child-initiating, socially adaptive, and unique.

11. Conclusion • We are going to put on a play for you to see how play and literacy are important in and out of the classroom!