EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 19: The play-way method for ECE

Various types of Play-Way Activities

• Dramatic Play: Dramatic play is basically an exercise of the imagination. At the same time, it can also be a valuable learning experience. To a young child, a doll is not just a doll. It is like a real person.
• Games: Games may be simple card games, guessing games or more lively games such as musical chairs. Outdoor games may be running races, hide-and-seek or catch. Through games children learn that they must follow rules, wait for their turn etc.
• Amusement Games: Children play a passive role in such games. They get enjoyment from watching or listening to others.
  Ex: Watching games on TV/computer
• Watching Others: This not only gives enjoyment to children but also has a great learning value. Children learn how to do things by observing others.
• Looking at Pictures: This provides enjoyment and at the same time students learn word meaning by talking about the pictures with adults. Bright coloured pictures both in Comics, in magazines and in newspapers have great appeal for young children. It encourages them to focus their thoughts. Second, it encourages them to seek new meanings.
• Listening to Stories: Children are very much interested in listening to different types of stories. A teacher is expected to develop the art of storytelling. Simple words and meaningful words should be stressed. The teacher should speak slowly. He may also use facial expressions to give meaning to the words. Some of the important themes of stories that appeal to the young children are as follows
  
  


1. Stories about home life.
   
2. Stories about school life.
   
3. Stories about children.
   
4. Stories about people they know –a postman, doctor etc.
   
5. Stories about animals of all kinds.
   
6. Stories about the elders.
   
7. Stories about adventure.
   
8. Fairy tales.
• Poems: Children also like poems. The poems should be short and simple.
• Listening to Music: Music should be simple and should have a strong beat. After hearing a tune several times children will sing even without music.
• Watching the Television: Television can be educational, relaxing and enjoyable if the television shows are properly chosen and presented in accordance with child’s level of development.
• Sand Play: It offers unique scope for the child’s enjoyment using its imagination and skill.
• Water Play: It offers great amusement as well training to children as they are not allowed to indulge with water activities at home level.