My understanding on play

After undergoing numerous lessons and with my on involvement in the activities conducted in the class. I changed my understanding of play. I learned that play is not only for fun but is an important part of a child’s growth and learning. One major takeaway was that children develop most of their brain before the age of five, which makes play very important in early childhood.

Another takeaway was learning about different theories of play. Schiller’s Surplus Energy Theory explains that children play to release extra energy, while Groos’s Pre-Exercise Theory shows that play helps children prepare for adult life and future skills.

I also learned that play supports emotional development. Freud’s idea of catharsis helped me understand that children use play to express feelings, overcome fears, and deal with difficult experiences in a safe environment.

The lessons further showed me that play helps children develop in many areas, including thinking, emotions, social skills, and creativity. Play does not only show development but also helps children grow and learn.

Finally, these lessons changed my view of teaching. I learned that teachers should act as facilitators by guiding children through play instead of only giving strict instructions. Using open-ended materials, scaffolding, Bhutanese folktales, and traditional games can make learning more meaningful and culturally connected for children.