School-age Play Page 16

Rule-Based Play

(Group games that have rules)

Page 16

This type of play is similar to cooperative play but with rules attached to it. It is important for organization and consistency. The rules are discussed and confirmed that everyone playing understands each of the rules. Throughout the game it is important for all players to follow the rules of the game as they participate in the game.

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Games and activities belong to children, and are part of a deep child culture that links children together throughout the world. It is an independent culture that only children control. Rhymes and games change over time and place, but their purposes remain remarkably constant: fun and fairness.

The most important way caregivers can help is to encourage children to try new things and then to acknowledge their efforts for trying. It is important that children feel that duties, jobs, and projects do not have to be perfect in order to be “right.” Use supporting phrases, such as “I noticed that you helped Keoni put away the art supplies. Thank you, clean up got done in half the time because you helped.”

Play appears to be only idle fun, but the purpose of play is actually about learning fairness, following rules, respecting oral contracts, and taking action against wrongdoers – things that help children develop a sense of ethical and moral behavior. First learning to follow rules, then later creating rules, are the most important parts of play. As with play at any age, the focus is on having a good time rather than learning, and on letting children take the lead with play. Learning follows naturally when play is fun.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Discussion: Play
3. Defining Play
4. DAP
5. Cooperative Play
6. Hula Hoop Activity
7. Independent Play
8. Supporting Play
9. Jellyfish Painting Activity
10. Active Play

School-Age Children at Play

Rule-Based Play

Page 16

Course Navigation Menu