Play in Middle Childhood: Everyday Play Behavior and Associated Emotions
The middle childhood, with the children's ages range from 7 years old to 11 years old, is an important period of childhood for children as they develop social relationships, and sense of citizenship. Where the author explains that children in the early years have identified how play serves an important concept in promoting these factors. Theorist Piaget suggests that play in middle childhood reflects the development of operational thought, which is logical reasoning about situations. In addition to Piaget, theorists Parten and Erikson stress the importance of social skills in middle childhood, and how play promotes negotiation and the knowledge of cultural trends. These theories are more concerned with what children in middle childhood are going to be able to do, rather than what they actually do. The author conveys that some studies about play in middle childhood rely on adult’s memories of childhood experiences, where adults show bias towards outdoor activity. A researcher from Israel, Rachel Sebba, conducted a study that looked at the environmental preferences and the nature of the experiences of being outdoors as reflected in adults' recollections and in children's actual approaches to investigating the world. All 194 adults in the sample recalled the outdoors as being a significant place in their childhood, where evidence of this study explains that experiences located outdoors may have a stronger importance in an adult’s memory of childhood in comparison to memories from more familiar locations such as school or home. Her findings suggest that children experience the natural environment in a deep and direct manner. The aim of the current study was to explore children’s descriptions of their play in middle childhood. More specifically, it seeks to establish what, where, and with whom children play and then how play makes children feel. It is crucial to consider children's perspectives on their play and can drive policy and practice to improve health, care and development. Studies of the views of young children regarding their play have assisted research that shows its role in developing the desire to solve problems and better self-regulation.
Howard, Justine, Miles, Gareth E, Rees‐Davies, Laura, & Bertenshaw, Emma J. (2017). Play in Middle Childhood: Everyday Play Behaviour and Associated Emotions. Children & Society, 31(5), 378-389.
Comment as: Grace
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that being outdoors had a stronger importance on an adult's memory of childhood instead of memories at school or home. I would've thought that their memories at home with family or at school with friends would be just as important.
It was very interesting to learn how outdoor play memories have shown to be prominent in an adult's memory of their childhood. When I read that, I looked back at my own childhood and realized that that statement runs true for me too; I distinctly remember outdoor memories more than memories in my home or at school. I also love how you were able to mention not one but three different theorists in your summary and how their theories relate to your topic.
ReplyDeleteI find it so interesting how many people consider the outdoors as a great part of their childhood. I can relate to this post greatly. Whenever I think back to my childhood I recall being outside a lot as well. I also like that you included the perspective of play has on children and their lifestyles.
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