Play is such an important aspect of a child’s life. Play allows children to grow cognitively, socially, and emotionally. However, there are many factors that affect children’s play. Some of these factors include culture, disabilities, and the child’s learning style. They have a profound impact on the way a child may play. It is necessary to be aware of these factors and incorporate them in everything you do.

Culture is huge part of a child. It is essential to include this in their play. “Play and its effects on child development can be interpreted in relation to the values and beliefs of the cultural community.” (Ferguson & Dettore, Jr., 2007) There are so many different ways to do this. Culturally specific objects or toys in play areas are extremely beneficial. Children need to be exposed to their own culture. This may be providing African American children with African American dolls to play with. Simple things like this will change their view on differences. They will be aware of diversity and learn to embrace it.

Culturally responsive play activities are also important to incorporate in children’s play. “Teachers can utilize play activities to help young children reconsider any inappropriate behaviors toward cultural minorities.” (Ferguson & Dettore, Jr., 2007) These activities will cause them to think and learn about other cultures. Some examples of these activities can include children’s stories, rhymes, songs, and art experiences. My experiences at UMOJA helped me really see the significance of these types of activities. I could fully understand how the children were able to relate to their own culture. They were interested in everything we were doing because it is their own history. They deserve to have opportunities that teach them about their own culture.

A disability within a child is another factor that affects their play. “A disability…can affect how a child plays, the kinds of play the child engages in, and the child’s ability to use play as an avenue to learning and generalizing new skills or concepts.” (http://pediatricservices.com/parents/pc-28.htm) There are a variety of disabilities and each affects the child differently. Many of these children suffer from a lack of social skills. Parallel play and associative play are two forms of play that help enhance these social skills. “Parallel play is defined as: playing beside, but not with another in a similar activity or with similar materials; includes some imitation.” (http://pediatricservices.com/parents/pc-28.htm) This type of play allows children with disabilities to watch others play and mimic their actions. They can learn by example. It is also necessary for adults to be present in order to mediate. They can take on the role of models for the children. Associative play, on the other hand, is when the child plays with others in a non-structured environment. Children need to be comfortable with their surroundings. Teachers have the responsibility to support and provide for them with whatever they need to succeed. “With regard to special supports…many of the supports needed for children with disabilities are the same supports needed for typical children, though they may be for children at younger ages.” (Naudeau, Ponte, Salonius-Pasternak, Scarlett, 2005)

Learning styles influence the way a child plays and learns. There are many different learning styles in children and they include kinesthetic, visual, interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, logical, and linguistic. Many children possess a mixture of learning styles. Each child requires specific things in order to meet their own play needs. Kinesthetic learners do well when they are able to move around and incorporate their bodies. Dramatic play is wonderful for them. They are able to act things out and pretend. Space is also essential. They need to be able to do things in a hands-on environment. Manipulatives are a great way for them to get their hands dirty and jump right into something. They have to be able to move around and not be a distraction for others. Visual learners need to see things in front of them. This is not very difficult in the area of play. Providing them with materials to work with is wonderful. They can create something and see the finished product. The same goes for art activities. They have the chance to go through the meaningful process of producing art. Interpersonal learners need social interaction. Activities that allow cooperation and discussion are wonderful for these children. They crave that contact with others. A variety of centers would be a good idea. Dramatic play is a great one because the children need to work together and problem-solve many situations that may arise. Intrapersonal learners are thoughtful and reflect on their own learning experiences. They need tools that encourage inquiry. It is best to provide them with activities that provoke questions. Science experiences would be a great way to do this. They must think and come to a conclusion about why something is happening. “Musical learners put things into perspectives when pitch, rhythm, tone, and musical patterns are used.” (http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/constructivism/where/knoll/lap/latmultint.html) Musical instruments would be a good way to get them involved. They can put their skills to the test. Also, it is always helpful to have music in the background when children are playing. Logical learners relate to numbers. These types of learners enjoy exploring and observing things. Manipulatives are great for them as well. They can investigate patterns and relationships. Collections would be a good example of this. They could sort the objects into a variety of patterns. Linguistic learners do best by listening. They also succeed in discussions. Providing them with children’s books would be beneficial. They could read with a partner and build on the skills that they possess. Talking to them about the activities they are doing is another manner in which to embrace their learning style. They excel in the language department and should be encouraged to use their skills. In general, children should be provided with things that enhance their learning styles whatever it may be. Everyone is different and that needs to be embraced.

Overall, all children play. No one is the same and we all do things differently. This is the case in children’s play. As teachers, we need to be aware and incorporate these things into our classroom. We must meet the needs of all of our students

References
Scarlett, W. George, Sophie C. Nadeau, Dorothy Salonius-Pasternak, Iris Chin Ponte (2005). Children’s Play. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications Inc..
Dettore, Jr., Ernest, Christine Jeandheur Ferguson (2007). To Play or Not to Play: is it really a question?. Association for Childhood Education International: Olney, MD.
http://pediatricservices.com/parents/pc-28.htm
http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/constructivism/where/knoll/lap/latmultint.html