Play Development of the 0-12 Month Period
The type of play seen in the first year of life is exploring the environment, repeating behaviors and feeling happy with what one has achieved. One month after birth, the basis of play behavior is laid when the baby begins to explore its environment.
–When the baby is 6 months old and his hand and eye coordination becomes stronger, he can control his movements and pick up and hold objects within reach of his arm. At 7 months old, the baby can distinguish familiar people from strangers. When he is 8-9 months old, he can sit properly on the floor and reach the toys on his right, left and around him without falling over. He tries to crawl and reach objects that catch his eye.
–When the baby is 10 months old, he voluntarily throws spoons, cups, toys and all kinds of objects down from the high chair. Curiosity about what might happen pushes him to these behaviors. He has fun by hitting the spoon in his hand on different surfaces and reacting to the sound it makes. This is about discovering new things, associating and having fun.
–When the baby is 11 months old, he can stand up and take a step or two with the support of an adult. At this stage, the baby's attention is directed to the objects around him. Occasional, albeit small, imitation elements in his behavior indicate that his short-term memory is developing. By the 12th month, babies can walk on their own by holding on to objects, sit on couches, open and rummage in drawers, and open cabinet doors. Again, at this stage, although they do not know the names of objects, they can show that they know what they are used for. For example; Trying to comb it by applying a comb to its hair, putting the empty glass to its mouth and pretending to drink it.
–The baby has reached the walking stage by the age of 12-13 months. This period covers a very energetic and active period. The child is no longer satisfied with his surroundings and begins to need more than one toy that he can hold. He begins to use them for his purposes. For example; such as toy phones, combs and brushes. Instead of emptying blocks and cubes from one box to another, he begins to use them instead of other objects. For example; like chair, table. This situation is called representational use of objects. These behaviors include imaginary play, or in other words, "so-so" play, which is an important phase of cognitive development. "Like this" indicates the beginning of the game.
Play Development in the 1-2 Years Period
At the end of the first year, the baby is more skillful in handling his toys. He likes different sounds, colors and images. He can tear the papers he gets his hands on. As his sitting, standing and walking skills develop, he can push and pull his wheeled toys and drive cars on a surface with his hands. He can carry his toys from one place to another.
When the baby is 18 months old, he starts combing his baby's hair with the comb in his hand. He squats on the ground and leafs through the book. Can play with building blocks, simple puzzles, soft animal toys for a long time. When putting three cubes on top of each other, this can increase to six or more numbers around the age of 2. He enjoys playing with clay, dough, water and sand.
Holding the paintbrush depends on the development of hand-eye coordination. Can draw random lines by taking the brush or pencil in the middle of the hand. He can use both hands in the same way, sometimes a single hand may be preferred.
After the age of two, he uses what he finds around him for "pretend" games.
Play at the Age of 2-3 Development
At this age, interest in playing with a ball, building games with large units, matching and grouping games, lining up toys, pushing and pulling, sand and water games, simple computer games, playing musical instruments and picture books
From the age of two, the child's skill in large and small muscle movements has increased. Movements such as carrying, lifting, climbing, jumping, running and jumping occur. The ability to ride a tricycle, pedal with the help of the feet, and use the steering wheel to turn corners develops. He tries to hit the ball with his foot, he can throw the ball but he cannot catch it. There is also progress in construction games. While a 2-year-old can play with 6 blocks, a 3-year-old can use 9-10 blocks.
At this stage, the game has a feature between "alone" play and "watching others". Since the child is self-centered and cannot understand the difference between what is "me" and what is "not me", there is difficulty in sharing toys and adults' attention. At this age, the child is aware of what someone else sees, feels and needs. and thinks that he will know their intentions exactly.
Play Development in the 3-4 Age Period
After the age of three, children interact with other children in the school environment, in small groups. The tendency to socialize and make friends begins during this year. The desire for adults to be with them all the time decreases, it is important for them to know that they will be there only when they need them. At this stage, children prefer playing outdoors, construction games, playing indoors on the table or on the ground, and sociodramatic games.
Game Development in the 4-5 Years Period
From this age onwards, the child's skills in daily life behaviors increase. However, he makes progress in his communication with those around him. He is interested in advanced outdoor games as well as highly detailed imaginative games. Team games with rules are seen at this age. There may be a tendency to prefer some sports, activities that require manual dexterity, creative games, and artistic works. During this period, it is very important for girls and boys to take part in all kinds of activities to reveal their potential. Directing children to games and activities according to their gender prevents their development in many areas.
Sociodramatic games are planned in great detail, roles are handled realistically and played in accordance with the pre-determined scenario. The fact that children are sensitive and help each other in the game shows that they have moved away from self-centeredness. They generally like to guide children younger than themselves.
Game Development in the 5-12 Age Period
With the start of school in the 5-12 age group, games are played with peers with the adoption of social rules. Games with rules and competition increase. Activities such as sports, outdoor games and dancing are very important in establishing oneself in the social environment and determining one's interests. During this period, with the increase in classes, children's playing games is inhibited or their interest in computer games increases because they cannot meet their friends or participate in group games.
The decision to play computer and tablet games should be made carefully and it should be prevented from taking up too much of their time. . However, in today's conditions, it may not be appropriate to keep away from computer games completely.
How Should We Support Children While They Play?
*It is safe for the child to play. Prepare an environment. Do not interfere in the game.
*Speak in a soft tone of voice.
*Play games that give a positive message.
*Encourage games that enrich imagination and creativity.
* p>
* Show that you are interested in what the child is doing by seeing what he is doing.
*Play games by smiling and making eye contact and enjoy it too!
*The child should not be separated from the game process suddenly. Decide how much time you will play before you sit down to play.
**Children who are frequently played with and cared for, with the loving and warm approach of their parents, develop better and acquire skills.
*The child It should not be separated from the game process. Decide how long you will play before you sit down to play.
Read: 0
