Play : The Beginning of Knowledge

Remember the days when you did not have to worry about paying those bills, getting to work on time, or fixing that leak in your ceiling? Instead, you were actively engaged in playing with your neighborhood friends. Sure, it seems hard to imagine that those "play-dates" helped you grow into the person that you are today but they indeed did. Play was essential to your development cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally. Did you know that play is a child's right?  Every single child has a right to play, to discover, and to actively explore their environment, including those with special needs.

Because play is such a vital part of early childhood education, it should be offered in easy, accesible ways for all children. Therefore, considerations must be taken in the classroom to adapt learning materials or toys so that children with disabilities are offered the same experience. Universally designed materials are those that are  accessible, flexible, and adjustable that can be used by all children in the classroom.

Children with disabilities are able to participate in play and do so independently through the use of assistive technology. These devices make it easier for children to move around, communicate and interact with the materials. Most importantly, these devices allow these children to develop through play! 

"Although software programs are designed for all children, babies with disabilities may find additional benefits. For them, computer activities can simulate traditional play sequences that are easier to control. For example, a child who likes to watch block towers being built and then knocked down, but is unable to experience this himself due to physical limitations, can do it "all by himself" with the press of a single key, mouse or switch. " -Let's Play! Project

*Let's Play! Project is a great resource for parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, occupational therapists, or anyone who directly interacts with children who have disabilities!

It is very crucial for early childhood educators to be aware that a child with a disability still has a right to play. It is important to have a planned approach to make this child's play experience as socially, physically, cognitively and emotionally developmental as possible.  Sometimes when people hear the words, "making adaptions," they might think this process is complicated. It's as if someone has suddendly asked them to build the Sears Tower in a day. When in reality, making adaptions can be as simple as changing the appearance or feel of a toy by adding glued yarn. They are very simple adaptions but they can greatly change the experience for the children! "Adapting Toys"   is a great article on modifying toys for children who have difficulties in reaching, locating, stablizing, etc,. 

As an aspiring early childhood educator, I believe play is an experience that should not be forgotten or missed out on by any child. Let's not forget children with disabilities or children from low socioeconomic statuses who need play just as much, if not more. Play truly is the beginning of knowledge for children.  It teaches children imagination, cause and effect, self-advocacy skills, social skills, and so much more.  

 As I've grown up, I've realized that the whole world is really just a giant playground;a playground that I would not have known how to interact on had I not discovered, had I not actively experienced the world, had I not played!