Early Childhood

Curriculum Chapter 2
coordination and symbolic representation. Additionally,
play develops the power to analyze, make judgments,
synthesize, formulate and see causal relationships.
Play also has an important role in learning
physical and perceptual skills (Sponseller, 1974).
Complex learning tasks depend upon well-integrated
neurological development, which is supported by
playful activity. Sensory motor skills must be developed
before the activities of reading, writing and arithmetic
can be mastered.
Play is the principal activity through which
social interaction is facilitated in the early childhood
classroom (Gullo, 1992). Erikson (1964) suggests that
play is of prime importance in the mastery of emotional
needs. Through play, children gain confidence and learn
to trust others. They learn to give, receive, share, express
ideas and feelings, make choices, express friendship, see
the perspectives of others, and include others. Through
dramatic play, children plan cooperatively with others,
use language to shape their interactions, solve problems
and identify with a variety of societal roles.
Childrenwhoplayaremoreflexibleandversatile
(Sutton-Smith, 1974). Versatile people are easier to work
with and make more competent leaders. Teachers and
parents who provide plenty of opportunity for children
to play are cultivating adults who are more likely to
respect themselves and make positive contributions to
the lives of others.
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The influences of Dewey are evident in playbased
learning centers, especially when they provide
opportunities for problem solving with materials and
peers in an integrated curriculum. Most early childhood
environments use learning centers as vehicles for
prompting play on various levels. Centers are generally
of two types.
• Curriculum centers include manipulatives
and materials to foster development in the
cognitive areas of mathematics, language
and literacy, and science.
• Interactive learning centers provide
materials and experiences that focus on
children’s dispositions to explore and
investigate by using drama, blocks, sensory
integration (sand/water) and creative arts.
Centers are typically prepared in advance by the
classroom teacher or assembled in reaction to children’s
interests, questions and abilities. Effective centers:
• provoke interest;
• encourage exploration and inquiry;
• change throughout the year depending on
interests; and
• provide for independent thought and
activity.