PSYCH 10

JOURNAL #4

Preschool Children and Play

Young children need safe, adequate play spaces. Playing promotes all levels of development (physical, cognitive and psychosocial). For this journal, you need to consider and observe children at play.

· List and describe at least two places in your neighborhood where children can play outside. These might be courtyards, backyards, parks, vacant lots, etc. Do you think these play spaces are adequate, and why? What are the pro's and con's concerning these areas. Do they allow children a developmental opportunity? How do children play in these areas?

· Do you have a playground (public or school) near your home? What types of play equipment does this playground have? Has it been designed for a particular age group? How does it advance their play and development?

· What type of children utilize the play ground? For example, what ages, what ethnic or racial groups, what economic status?

· Examine the types of play that seem to occur at this playground or other play areas. Describe these play behaviors in terms of physical , cognitive, and social development (use the types of play discussed in class and in your textbook).

· How do the parents or caregivers respond to the children playing? Can you identify various parenting styles? What do you think about the long-term effects of the child/parent interactions that you see?