Theorists
Materials
Stages Of Play
Observation Methods
Children Learning Difficulties
100

Abraham Maslow

Basic Needs of food, safety, and security play.

100

Blocks & Construction Corner

Trains, Block, Lego Blocks, Puzzles.

100

Solitary

Playing Alone

100

Anecdotal Records

Short, descriptive and detailed narrative.

100

Shy Personality/Temperament

Shy children quiet and withdrawn in group settings. Guide them and encourage them to become involved in play.

200

Howard Gardner

9 Multiple Intelligences

200

Music 

Musical Instruments, Audio Books.

200

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.

200

Running Records

Longer Periods of time spanning sequential narrative.

200

Lack of Experience

Pretend Play children do not know how to join in. Encourage them by reading books, art activities and singing songs.

300

John Dewey and Jean Piaget

Learning BY DOING.


Children learns Hands-On experiences can use exploration, wonderment and discovery.

300

Dramatic Play

Housekeeping Toys, Dolls, Dress-Up Clothes.

300

Cooperative and Associative

Play with other children as part of a group.

Play occurs with other children. Materials are shared.

300

Time Sampling

Observation happens during a given time of using tallies.

300

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.

400

Maria Montessori

Adult - Child interactions focus on materials to play.

400

Sand and Water Table

Sand, Water, Funnel, Measuring Cups and Spoons.

400

Onlooker

The child observes other children or adults in their play.

400

Checklists

A list of behaviors or traits the teacher checks off. 

400

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.

500

Lev Vygotsky

Children need and require play in their child development. Group play is an essential value for a child's social development.

500

Outdoor Play

Bikes, Balls, Gross Motor Skills.

500

Unoccupied

No engagement in play.

500

Frequency Counts & Analyzed Work Samples

Tally of each time a behavior occurs. 

Tape and Video recordings, photos children's current work and thinking.

500

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.

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