"6*"6 PA llal6**d

(4.1.5 Historical Aspects of Play in

Socialisation
Historical artifacts and documents prove that children have
been playing since ancient times. Toys have been found in
the ruins of ancient China, Egypt, Babylonian and other
civilisations. The aspect of play and its value in the
socialisation process has been of interest to child
Psychologists, educators and scientists for generations.
Parten (1932) identifies the following levels of play as part
of the maturation process of children.
186litary Play This means playing without regarding
involvement of other children in the room or playground. A
child may build a tower with blocks, yet be oblivious to
other nearby children.
the child plays,it observes other
2Character Play As
children in the same area. Often this child will begin to
model its play on another child. After watching another
child, it may alter its own play. Even though a child may
is observing others
appear to show little interest, but he
playing.
3. Parallel Play This form of play consists of several
children playing with the same materials, but each is
The child
playing separately. An example is using puzzles.
may converse with others,
but works independently. If one
childleaves the group, the play continues.
Associative Play This is play in whicha loosely organised
game is decided upon. For instance, children may run
around the room pretending to be aeroplanes or cars. There
are no definite rules or roles. Even if one child decides not to

páy, the others continue.

Cooperative Play This is the form of play in which
children assume assigned roles and depend on others for
achieving the goals of play. For instance, if children want to
play House', they need others to participate in the roles of
one or more parents and several children. If one of the key
players decides to drop out, the play episode will most
probably end.
Today, scholars of theories about early childhood
education see play as developing well-being, creative
thinking skills and cognitive development. As the child
plays, all facets of development are developed. Motor,
cognitive and socio-emotional development are increased as
the child participates in play experiences. As the children
engage in play, the need for variety and competence all
come into focus.