ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Assignment 4.1Article Critique

By:Teresa Puga

ECD 400 Children’s Play and Learning Theory

CD 52 Lemoore CenterFresno Pacific University

August 28, 2013Sandra Richardson

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ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Article Critique

Play is a very important component to a developing child. Children need these

socialization skills to become functioning members of the community. Parents play a big

role in the development of play skills in their child. Parents can hold play dates to

enhance their child’s play and social skills, as was discussed in the article. Some parents

may be under the impression that play is not important to their child’s development

which is incorrect.

The article had a lot of great points about play; it discussed play dates for children

held by the parents. The article gave techniques to hold a successful play date and what

signs to look for to understand what type of play your child engages in. There is isolated

play this is when the child has no interest in play with another child or the play materials.

Passive observation the child shows interest in the other children, play materials of

another child, and activities. Parallel play the child shares space and materials but does

not directly play with the other child. Finally common play shared play, activities, and

materials the children participate in shared communication (Chambers & Horn, 2010).

If the children are having a difficult time in play and they are exhibiting

isolated play the parent needs to engage and talk with the children. Parents are role

models in play and should engage them and bring their play activities together. When the

children have successfully been joined in mutual play the parent should back out of the

play and step in when needed. Parents should always remember to give praise to the

children when they are sharing and engaging in these mutual play activities. These play

dates should be 30 to 1 hour long and the environment should be open and encourage

play. Items that encourage play are blocks and dramatic play items, items that discourage

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ARTICLE CRITIQUE

mutual play are books, play dough, puzzles, and crayons. These are very helpful ideas to

plan a play date that encourages play (Chambers & Horn, 2010).

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ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Reference

Chambers, C. R., & Horn, E. M. (2010). Strategies for Family Facilitation of Play Dates. Young Exceptional Children, 13(3). doi: 1177/1096250610364352

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