Our second entry on chapter 7 was written by Stefani. You'll see when you read her entry that she recognized many types of play discussed by Elkind because she engaged in them during her childhood. I think you'll enjoy her recollections of childhood play, as well as her insight into its importance.
In chapter seven of Elkind’s book, the author discussed the importance of play and how it helps children become effective social beings. While reading the different sections that deal with various ways of playing, I was reminded of my own childhood. Elkind states, “Games provide a set of rules that govern how to behave under certain circumstances” (p.148). I agree with Elkind and it brings back the memories of when I used to play an original game we called “Alligators and Pirates” with my grandmother. I used to play this game with my younger cousin, Kala, and my grandmother at our family cabin in Oakhurst, CA. Kala and I would sit on the swing, which was our “Pirate Ship,” with Nana. We would have to run (pretend to swim fast) to the jacuzzi deck (the island) without actually stepping on the deck wood, only on the rugs which were pretend rocks. We had to hop from rug to rug to make it to the jacuzzi deck, and back again to the boat to be safe. If we stepped off the rugs, then we were eaten by the alligators in the water. Nana would be safe on the swing with her feet up out of the water and encourage us to run fast and not to fall in the water. Then we could make it safely back to the home ship with her on the swing. When we did make it back to the swing, Nana would hug and kiss us because we survived the “alligators and the deep water.” We continued to play this game for years every time I went up to my grandparents’ cabin. I still sit on the swing when I go up there and we joke about not letting the alligators get us.
I agree with Elkind that when children play games with rules, they come to understand the social rules which make cooperation with others possible. Kala and I would take turns running to the island, and we would encourage one another to make it back to the swing safely. A child begins to develop social skills through games with rules. I also believe that children can learn healthy cooperation and competition through games. I liked how this chapter gave many different examples of play and how each area of play helps the child grow in many acceptable ways.
When Elkind talked about “Play Acting,” it reminded me of when I was little and would play with all my dolls. I would put all my baby dolls on a blanket and pretend to drive them all to school and kiss them goodbye. I was reenacting what I witnessed my mother do when she would drive us around and take us to all our different activities. I was pretending to be someone that I was not, and putting myself in someone else’s position like Elkind talked about. I used to spend hours playing every day. I believe that play is extremely powerful in kids’ development.
After reading this chapter, it made me want to go play some games and just have fun, to be child-like again. I know that all the hours I spent playing made me have such a fun and happy childhood, and I recognize that it also contributed to my now having a healthy adulthood. I could think of so many examples in each area of play that I used to do. Now after reading this book, I want to always encourage my nieces to play just like my grandmother did with me, and always make sure they are having fun. I never knew there were so many different kinds of play, and how each one helps the child develop skills that they will need when they grow up. I think play is a child’s daily work.
Your recollections of your own childhood play reminded me of imaginary games I used to play with friends, too -- play that I had forgotten all about. With a friend, I used to swing on a large porch swing at the edge of our house. When you swung high enough while extending your arms, you could reach my mom's clothesline. We would put clothespins on the line, and swing out to grab them. We pretended we were fishing, and the clothespins were fish that we were catching. You have reminded me that, when given the time and space, children can think of many imaginative games. We need more of that time and space for them!
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Elkind, that when children play games with rules they learn how to cooperate with others. I have witnessed this many times while watching preschoolers. Each child wants things their own way and by their own rules, but if they do not allow input from other children, no one will want to engage in the activity with them. So the child must learn how to compromise. Play gives children the opportunity for debate, compromise, and cooperation. So then, I think it is also important for teachers to step back a little and allow children to resolve those types of problems on their own. Children can never learn how to cooperate and compromise if a teacher is constantly stepping in to mediate.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Campagna
Stefani,
ReplyDeleteI like how you used examples from your childhood to express the importance of play and how it effects a child's social being. I particularly like the example of you playing "Alligators and Pirates" with your grandmother and cousin. Elkind expresses in this chapter, "Despite the importance of children's self-initiated games for socialization, adults often ignore them, their importance and complexity"(P.149). I think that you have an amazing grandmother for encouraging play by participating and not ignoring the impact of make-believe games.
It’s great that you were able to use your imagination to create a world filled with pirates and alligators; it reminds me of Peter Pan. Games help children to socialize, problem solve, and follow rules. I agree with Elkind, games provide a base for children to learn how to live socially with rules into their adulthood. I have both my children in sports and scouts. Sports are not for everyone, but it is a way for children to learn rules, socialize, and teamwork and as long as it’s fun for them I will encourage them to participate. ‘Play acting” is the same as role-playing and is also an important part of their development. I remember playing with my “one” Barbie for years and I actually miss that my daughter didn’t enjoy Barbie’s. It was great to be able to dress her and pretend that we were at fancy parties. A group of us with our “one” Barbie would all role-play for hours. I say “one” Barbie because during these times most girls have ten or more Barbie’s and they still get so bored. Playing and having fun should always be a part of every child’s life. Play is important for everyone as children, and as adults. Barbara Flores
ReplyDeleteStefani, it sounds like you and your cousin Kala had a lot of fun growing up. What imaginations and creativity you both had to invent such a game. When I was little, I remember my great-grandmother telling my cousins and me that we had to work together to get across a fallen log, otherwise Indians would come and get us. For an older lady, my great-grandma had quite an imagination. She sure made growing up a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI think being able to play and socialize with other children is extremely important for a child’s developmental process. Within this chapter, Elkind points out that two of the most important social skills that children can learn through play are socially acceptable forms of “cooperation and competition” (p.158). I feel children who are able to work together as a team to achieve a common goal, help them grow into healthy adults. I agree with Elkind that, “Children need to learn to balance their need to cooperate with other children in order to get things done with their need to compete in order to develop their sense of competence” (p.159).
--Amber Archila
I agree with you. When I was a child I remember playing monopoly and I didn’t know how to wait for my turn. I wanted to role the dices all the time and would not go back any spaces when I was supposed to. After some tries and having my siblings help me understand how to follow the rules of the game I learned how to play by the rules. Play is the most important part that a child needs to have in life, especially during childhood. I said this because as children grow they learn how to develop social skills and so much more through play. Play allows children to interact with their peers and improve their communication skills. Certain play requires that a child follow the rules when the child plays with other children and from this children learn how to deal with following rules.
ReplyDeleteMaihoua Lee
I really enjoyed reading the part where you were describing the game “Alligator and Pirates”; it made me feel as if I was in the game. I had never heard of the game “Alligator and Pirates” before. As a child I really did not have any board games. I remember always playing outside with my friends. I also remember around the age of four my friends and I would make up our own rules when it was needed. I enjoyed reading the chapter as well as the comment because I never thought that playing was helping children in many other ways. I always assumed that children were just playing. I didn’t know that playing was helping the child become social and many other things. Like Stefani, reading this chapter made me feel like going back to my childhood and just having fun. Berenisse Becerra
ReplyDeleteStefani,
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with you regarding play being extremely powerful in the development of a child. I remember, as a child, making up games and creating our set of rules with friends. I believe this helps kids to learn how to cooperate with others. Reading your blog brought back memories of weekends at my grandmother's house with all of my cousins. Every room was turned into an obstacle course, as we all took turns going in and out of each room. I will never forget these and so many childhood memories. I wish play could still be my daily work.
-Jessica Taylor
Stefani-
ReplyDeleteI was enlightened to read about your "Alligators and Pirates" game story! It' always nice and funny to talk about kinds of games and play we used to do as children. Reading your blog reminded me of how my cousin and I used to play with dolls. Growing up we used to watch child type "novelas" (mexican soap opera shows for kids)and would wind up recreating or making up our own story lines during our doll play. We would dress them up in their fanciest dresses and make up silly but fun dialogue to go with our story line. Now that I think back, it makes me smile and giggle at how much fun we had just being kids. The power of play really is important and can create many heart-warming memories that we cherish as adults.
-Vanessa Alvarado