CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR S.C. TEACHER CADET COURSE | EXPERIENCING EDUCATION, TENTH EDITION
Observing Play
*Mandatory lesson
Essential Question: What is significant about children at play?
Note: Teachers may want to complete both the Preschool Observation and the
Preschool Play Observation at the same time in order to save time.
Activities:
1. It is important for students to understand that children choose different types of play
depending on their social development level, environment, culture, and needs at
a specific time. Distribute the handout titled, “Children’s Play: Purposes, Types,
Advice.” Use the handout for a reading assignment for homework and/or basis
for class discussion.
2. Arrange with a preschool for your students to observe during recess or play time
and explain what they will be doing. Ask about the children’s age range. Cadets
may also observe play at other settings—children they baby-sit, see at church,
know in their neighborhood, etc.
3. Provide the students with the "Preschool Play Observation Form.” Review the
procedures. Explain that each student will document the different types of play
he/she observes. It might be helpful for students to note if the same child is
engaging in different forms of play, or if they are noting several different children
of apparently different ages.
4. Upon completion of the observation, discuss the following questions:
a. What are the different types of play you observed? (Let the class share specific
examples.)
b. Did the same child engage in different types of play? Give examples.
c. What types of materials or environment would be desirable and developmentally
appropriate for these children? Why?
d. What role did the teachers play in the children's choice of play styles?
e. How do factors such as gender, culture, or special needs affect children's play?
5. Instructors may want to show the video titled, The Power of Play.
Materials:
• Handout: “Children’s Play: Purposes, Types, Advice”
• Teacher Resources: articles and PowerPoint presentations on learning through play
http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_play
• Handout: "Preschool Play Observation Form"
• Optional: The Power of Play video
Assessment:
1. Students may complete the "Preschool Play Observation Form" and process their findings
in small group discussions.
2. Students may demonstrate the