THEORIES OF CHILD PLAY

Theories of child play

 Saracho and Spodek (1998),
o made a useful distinction between two types of
theories of play:
- classical and
- modern.
Theories of child play
classical theories
o have attempted to explain the origins of play and describe
their function. They have also noted the descriptive nature of
such theories is informative.
o classical theories seem do not attempt to define play so that
their usefulness is limited.
o classical theories of play in relation to children’s play in
preschool identified by researchers
Theories of child play
 modern theories
o attempt to describe the content of play so that those who
work and interact with young children may understand the
ways in which it can contribute to development and learning
CLASSICAL THEORIES
Modern theories of play
Modern theories of play
Modern theories of play
Theories of child play
• Surplus energy theory
o Play is motivated by a need to release surplus energy
• Relaxation theory
o We play as we need to relax from the stresses of our daily life
• Cathartic theory
o We play as we need to express disorganized or painful emotions
in a harmless way
• Preparation theory
o Play prepares us for adult life by teaching team work, role playing
and following the rules
Theories of child play
Piaget (1952) also proposed a stage theory of play,
o 2 stages symbolic play,
 1-4 years (with 3 sub-stages) and
 4-7 years.
In play, assimilation predominates over accommodation, since the
child assimilates the world to his/her desired framework. Play is
therefore the opposite of imitation.
Piaget maintained that play has two functions:
(i) consolidation of existing skills;
(ii) confidence and mastery, since there is no obvious goal.
Within the context of play, the child can explore very complex social,
emotional and intellectual issues, e.g. rules of games, justice,
punishment, right vs. wrong (Butterworth & Harris, 1994).