Journal of Education and Human Development

The Effects of Play on Social Development among Young Children
Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, Brandi Gunn, Keisha Ceasar

Abstract
A child’s job is play. Play allows children to connect with who they are; their creativity; their voice; and how to interact with their peers. Play during early years is imperative as it prepares young children to engage with and interact with the world around them. Through play is how children build their character. Formal and informal play for young children is an important part of learning and growing. Jane Murray (2018) defines play as freely chosen and personally directed behavior that actively engages the child. Through play children gain a deeper knowledge about themselves and the world (Bento & Dias, 2017). The purpose of this research project is to determine if play increases social and cognitive development of young children. Researchers will observe indoor and outdoor play of young children utilizing the Play Observation Scale (POS) by Kenneth H. Rubin (2001). Researchers believe play has a direct impact on the social and cognitive growth of young children which aids in their development, thus children should spend more time in indoor/outdoor play than in any other type of learning setting. This research will provide knowledge of why play is imperative for children’s cognitive growth and development.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v11n2a1