Week 6

After reviewing the information this week about academic integrity, I didn't really feel like it affected my thinking as far as my research at all. I have experience writing papers and citing sources, so I knew most of the guidelines. I am new to APA citing however, most of my professors use MLA style, but it was good for me to learn. I was also unaware that you were not allowed to use a paper you have written for one class, and turn it in for another class. I don’t think I would ever do that anyway, but now I know I couldn’t even if I wanted to. I am a little confused to why though, since it is your own work anyway?

I am thrilled to share that this week’s research was quite simple for me (compared to the last few weeks). I only had to switch up my words a few times before I found a great article on the importance of play in preschool.

The article Children’s perspective of Play and Learning for Educational Practice reinforced the concept that play is crucial in a child’s growth and development. While engaged in play children learn cognitively, social/emotionally, and interpersonally.  In addition, it has been found that play gives children the chance to be exposed to things they may not normally experience. They are able to experiment through different individual ideas and activities. Play also allows teachers to ask open ended questions while children are engaged in play to enhance their thinking and support connections. In conclusion, play and its importance are taken for granted.

I am an advocate for play. Not only does play assist children in developing cognitively, social/emotionally, and interpersonally as mentioned in the article but it is important in many other areas of development as well. Children learn problem solving skills, strengthen gross and fine motor skills, literacy/communication, math, science, life skills, etc. There are several areas set up around the classroom to support all areas of development. Children have to learn through personal experiences.