Play in Learning Environments

Question: Discuss about the Play in Learning Environments. Answer: When asked to recall personal memories of play I remember many of these moments shared were mostly with my younger brothers and sisters. Wickerius and Sandberg (2006) studies found that many persons childhood play memories are those remembered playing with siblings rather than individual play. Media can also influence play (Sandberg and Vuorinen, 2008) our old Volkswagen (Herbie) which we named from the movie, a memory related to our time spent at Granddads farm. I engaged in adult role play (Bruce, 1996) because I put my seatbelt on pretending to drive while making vehicle sounds, turning the steering wheel and pressing on the horn. Opportunities for play are significantly dependent on the social, cultural, pedagogical and physical environment (Sandberg, 2003). When our father purchased a new investment property, it became a time for new exploration and searching through materials which the previous occupants had left behind. I always had an abundance of timber off cuts used to construct cubby houses, benches and anything else we could invent. Living with the weather conditions at Brisbane allowed for many opportunities to include water in our play.I remember making mud pies developing my understanding of the adult world (Tuan, 1978) because I was pretending that I was cooking like my mother. My favourite memory of all was being covered in mud from the mud fights shared with my brothers and sister, see figure 1. Figure 1: Mud fights with my brothers and sister In the segment, I intend to identify and analyze the theories and relate them with the play experience of the childhood setting. In the book by Fleer, the author Marilyn Fleer adumbrates and explains the history of play in international context and in nascent education period. As indicated by Marilyn Fleer (2013), the concept play is tantamount to early childhood education. Based on the foundational research conducted in laboratories, the comprehension of children learning developed with ease. By tracing the roots of our practices, early childhood education gives us an impetus to explore the influences that that have contoured our practice. At the same time, it helps us to assess the current stance. Theories With the help of the classical theories of play, the existing position shall be reviewed. In the book, Play Memories and Place Identity, by Anette Sandberg (2003), the author inspects and elucidates the significance of the physical regions under different arenas of life. The book juxtaposes the place identity with the importance of childhoods play. Relating to the theory, the fond memory that I have shared with my siblings (refer to the figure above) helps to mould my life. The theory suggests that the childhood play memory is instrumental in shaping the adult life. Sociocultural Influence Early scholars aim to consider the learning of children through play. In order to underscore learning from the perspective of play, it is indispensable to become an excellent observer of play. While observing play, it is important to consider varied aspects that influence the reading. It is important to capitalize on certain questions while deliberating on the study of childrens play. At the same time, one should make an outline of sociocultural teaching and learning philosophy. Relating to that context, it is significant to comprehend the profundity of Vygotskys Sociocultural-Historical theory. The theory puts an emphasis on the development of children (Smagorinsky, 2011). The theory aims to study the play of children as formenting concepts. It also analyzes the role of children in the socio-cultural setting. As indicated by my reflective essay, the socio-cultural setting of Brisbane (the place mentioned in the essay) gives me an opportunity to explore innate playing skills. At the same time, it helps me to build some essential traits that made me incredibly energetic and dynamic. Learning Environment The segment discusses the influence of learning environment on the study of childrens play. The crux of the matter is how does the environment bolster learning? It is essential to comprehend the changing dynamic between theory and environment. As far as the teaching-learning relationship is concerned, listening forms the basis of teaching-learning nexus that emphasises teaching (Strong-Wilson et al., 2007). The time is an important aspect, inasmuch it influences the complex play episodes. Time is essential, as it helps to formulate the play schedule and gives an enthralling insight into the adventure. In my reflective essay, I have mentioned about my play story with my siblings. The play started to begin in the sultry months of summer, as I had used an amalgam of mud and water during play. Therefore, environment influences the teaching-learning nexus, as far as childhood play is concerned. Reference Fleer, M. (2013). Play in the early years. Cambridge University Press. Sandberg, A. (2003). Play memories and place identity. Early child development and care, 173(2-3), 207-221. Smagorinsky, P. (2011). Vygotsky's stage theory: The psychology of art and the actor under the direction of perezhivanie. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 18(4), 319-341. Strong-Wilson, T. Ellis, J. (2007). Children and Place: Reggio Emilia's Environment as Third Teacher, Theory Into Practice, 46(1), 4047