Stages of Play Psychology

During this essay I will be discussing the statement that throughout progressive stages of play, children can develop and learn vital life skills with reference to a wide range of psychological theories. I will firstly define play, describe its characteristics and look at some of the different types of play. I will then go on to analyse the stages of play with reference to theorist such as Piaget and Parten. In addition to this I will be discussing children’s play in the context of life stage theories and analyse the links between play and learning then finally I will compare and contrast these theories. Erickson describes play as being “the infantile form of human ability to deal with experience by creating model situations and to master reality by experimentation and planning” Erickson (1963) which suggests that play is a vital part of a persons development from child to adulthood. Play is thought to have certain characteristics these are explained by Garvey a being “essentially enjoyable, it is an activity associated with positive effect, an activity done for its own sake rewarding itself and not dependant on extrinsic motivation or achievement of goals outside of play. Spontaneous and voluntary, chosen and generated by the player and not outside authority. It requires active involvement on behalf of the player it is contrasted with ‘non-play’ by being set aside form real life. It is not intended literally and is not meant to be taken at face value.” Garvey (1977). They were described again more simply as “being a state of flow, blissful involvement in what you are doing, being carried away by the activity but simultaneously participating fully in it and not being out f control.” Csksentmihalyi (1979) Different types of play develop different things for an individual, which enables the individual to learn to communicate more effectively as a child develops skills increase. Different types of play include, active play explorative play, imitative play,