Implications of Play on Literacy Development - Research Paper Example

Findings indicate that free play in a literacy-rich environment, with children having free access to learning materials, peers, and supportive teachers, inspires the growth of literacy skills in the children.Mention the word “play” and see the eyes of children light up instantly. It is their joy, their fascination, their world. In the play, their imaginations soar to great heights and their creativity is unleashed. It is like a suspended reality where they are capable of anything.Some people have learned to segregate the concept of play from learning and studying.

To them, play should only be indulged in during recess and after school hours upon finishing school homework. It is a reward to bestow on children who have studied hard, so their minds can take a rest.However, scholars have recognized the power of play in optimizing children’s growth and development. Bruce (2001) elevates play as “the highest form of learning in early childhood” (p. 112). Even the Scottish Government (2008) advocates the use of play as a tool in learning both in enhancing cognitive skills and softer skills in terms of relating to others.

Play is part of the quality of life children have a right to as declared in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.Educators have realized that learner-centered strategies are more effective in engaging young children’s learning because it puts much value in the construction of their own understanding of concepts. This makes learning more meaningful and relevant to them, hence, retention of concepts and skills is easier to achieve. Play is one approach to learning many concepts and skills (Roskos and Christie, 2011).

For example, reading and writing skills spring out of play-like story-reading sessions. These are examples of activities wherein children’s imaginations are actively engaged, as it is in their play. Books and sharing stories are just a few of the learning materials and activities that enhance communication, language, and literacy skills. These help concretize learning for very young children in the company of other learners who may contribute much to their shared learning.