The role of an adult

Play can be quiet or noisy, messy or orderly, funny or serious, exhausting or effortless. It can take place inside or outside and develops as children grow and change. Children play for different reasons.  However, some experts believe that children can learner by exploring and discovering things on their own. Others argue that children need adults’ help to make sense. 

Therefore, what is our role as the adult in play? 

The adult creates an indoor and outdoor environment that provides a wide range of play possibilities.  In the setting,  he or she will:-

• prepares, plans for and organises activities based on assessment information and the aims and learning goals.
• provides for play experiences that are safe, challenging and enjoyable
• structures the indoor and outdoor environment so that it reflects children's individual needs, interests, abilities and strengths.
• observes how the space and organisation of the indoor and outdoor environment is supporting in children plays.

 

As the role of adult in children's play, he or she will:-

• continually builds on, challenges and extends children’s learning and development
• talks to children about their play, recognises, respects, and supports children’s play choices
• is supportive without interfering, takes part in play when invited
• helps children develop the skills for playing, and models play behaviours
• respectful of children’s feelings, language, ability, background, and culture during play
• helps children deal with difficulties such as when they are emotionally detached or need help getting started
• helps all children to be players, supports interactions
• acts as mediator or facilitator
• identifies the types and quality of children’s play, knows the style and pattern of each child’s play and his/her preferences or interests
• observes, talks to and listens to children when they are playing
• uses the assessment information gathered in planning for future play

 

We should be aware of the importance of play and we should take action to promote and protect it.   Not only that, we can support children’s play by involving our role into children’s play.