Theorists
Abraham Maslow
Basic Needs of food, safety, and security play.
Blocks & Construction Corner
Trains, Block, Lego Blocks, Puzzles.
Solitary
Playing Alone
Anecdotal Records
Short, descriptive and detailed narrative.
Shy Personality/Temperament
Shy children quiet and withdrawn in group settings. Guide them and encourage them to become involved in play.
Howard Gardner
9 Multiple Intelligences
Music
Musical Instruments, Audio Books.
Parallel
Playing independently or beside peer, but not with peers. The materials may be used in similar ways as a peer. There is no sharing of materials during the play.
Running Records
Longer Periods of time spanning sequential narrative.
Lack of Experience
Pretend Play children do not know how to join in. Encourage them by reading books, art activities and singing songs.
John Dewey and Jean Piaget
Learning BY DOING.
Children learns Hands-On experiences can use exploration, wonderment and discovery.
Dramatic Play
Housekeeping Toys, Dolls, Dress-Up Clothes.
Cooperative and Associative
Play with other children as part of a group.
Play occurs with other children. Materials are shared.
Time Sampling
Observation happens during a given time of using tallies.
Emotional Trauma
Death, Divorce, Substance Abuse in the family can result in a diminished ability to play. Be kind, empathy, consistency, and showing emotional support to the children.
Maria Montessori
Adult - Child interactions focus on materials to play.
Sand and Water Table
Sand, Water, Funnel, Measuring Cups and Spoons.
Onlooker
The child observes other children or adults in their play.
Checklists
A list of behaviors or traits the teacher checks off.
Abuse & Neglect
Abuse in the home can affect both the child's developmental level of play and the amount of participation in play. Educators, can module appropriate play skills in the classroom.
Lev Vygotsky
Children need and require play in their child development. Group play is an essential value for a child's social development.
Outdoor Play
Bikes, Balls, Gross Motor Skills.
Unoccupied
No engagement in play.
Frequency Counts & Analyzed Work Samples
Tally of each time a behavior occurs.
Tape and Video recordings, photos children's current work and thinking.
Other Factors Play Behaviors
Developmental Abilities, Physical Limitations, Type of Disabilities, Cognitive Delays, Speech & Language Difficulties. Make it an inclusive by modifying and adapting the classroom to support their needs.