Parents Attitudes Toward Learning Through Play in The Foundation Stage Essay

Parents Attitudes Toward Learning Through Play in The Foundation Stage - Essay Example This study aims to investigate parents’ attitudes toward learning through play in the foundation stage. 1.3 Objectives Specific objectives of this research are as follows: 1. To research related literature in order to define play and the types of play used in the foundation stage 2. To establish why play is important for children’s development. 3. To explore parents’ beliefs and attitudes regarding play as a way of learning in the foundation stage using primary research. 4. To identify whether parents provide any play activities at home to support children’s development at the foundation stage 1.4 Rationale of the Study This research aims to explore how parents truly regard play and if they do believe in its benefit to support children’s development especially in the foundation stage. This information would be very helpful for practitioners so that they know how to engage parents’ cooperation and support in schools. It is believed that parent s are important collaborators in their children’s learning since they can provide the resources and experiences to help them learn both at home and in school. In partnership with teachers, parents can help enhance the curriculum in ways that engage children’s interest, so it becomes meaningful and fun for them. Play is one way that makes this possible. Parents are seen as partners in their children’s education, so it is worthwhile to study how they view their role as parents of very young children who constantly engage in play as a form of enjoyment. Becoming aware that play may be used in the educational setting for learning as well as enjoyment may confuse parents as to the role play is given in the foundation...From the research, it can be comprehended that play comes naturally to children. From the time they are infants, the play is an activity that they engage in to learn about their world. As they grow older, they discover more about the world around them through play. They use their senses to explore objects and learn about concepts such as of cause and effects when they manipulate objects. Macintyre asserts that young children learn better in play-like settings. Concepts are retained better when learned in an easy, relaxed and fun atmosphere that does not pressure children to perform in ways that stress them to achieve. Macintyre continues to endorse the value of play in all the developmental areas of children. Play’s rich and varied meanings have resulted in theorists being unable to come up with a single standard definition. Isaacs was one of the first known theorists to define play as the work of the child whereas more recently Bruce regards play as â€Å"the highest form of learning in early childhood†. Moyles comments on how the play is valuable as an excellent learning medium and educators who attempt to define play describe similar features such as enjoyment, spontaneity and active engagement. Still, the diffic ulty of finding a precise and conclusive definition of play persists. Greig contends that this may be due to its ambiguity and variety, as play serves various roles and functions. Another reason for the difficulty in finding one standard definition is that â€Å"the boundaries of play are fluid† and so may cover different activities.