Developing Quality Sociodramatic Play in the Classroom for Young Children with Language Delays

Abstract

Research suggests that play is not simply a luxury, but a critical component of programs for all young children. One of the primary reasons for this strong support of play is research that has indicated its potent impact upon social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Sociodramatic play, in particular, has been shown to correlate with these areas of development, especially language development. This article discusses guidelines for promoting sociodramatic play in classrooms for young children with language delays.

Including Playful Aggression in Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy

“…The debate among educational professionals continues as to the appropriateness of playful aggression within educational settings (Boyd, 1997;Freeman & Brown, 2004;Parsons & Howe, 2006). Although researchers offer support strategies for its inclusion in early childhood settings (Bauer & Dettore, 1997;Calabrese, 2003;Carlson, 2011;Freeman & Brown, 2004;Hart & Tannock 2013a;Parsons & Howe, 2006;Pellegrini, 1987;Reed, Brown & Roth, 2000), strict policies prohibiting playful aggression remain (Boyd, 1997;Freeman & Brown, 2004;Reed, Brown & Roth, 2000).…”

“…Through playful experiences, young children further their creative expression, language and literacy, cognitive competence, social skills and physical development. Current research views play not as an unimportant pastime, but as a critical component of early childhood programs because of its positive impact upon social, physical, cognitive and emotional development (Calabrese, 2003). In short, play is the foundation of young children's growth and development (Malloy & McMurray-Schwarz, 2004).…”

“…During play, children advance their physical, cognitive, communicative and social-emotional development (Hewes & McEwan, 2006;Nagel 2012). For example, children benefit physically through their exploration of social boundaries, placement in a social group and repetitive movements to test their strength and restraint (Calabrese, 2003). Play also fosters children's physical health through exercising their fine and gross motor muscles, as well as providing children with an outlet to release built-up energy.…”

“…Playfully aggressive behaviours as found in RTP, superhero play and big body play are believed to be valuable components of early childhood with many developmental benefits, including social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development (Bauer & Dettore, 1997;Calabrese, 2003;Clements, 2004;Hewes & McEwan, 2006;Logue & Detour, 2011;Parsons & Howe, 2006;Pellegrini, 1988Pellegrini, , 1989bReed, Brown & Roth, 2000;Sandseter, 2010). Interestingly, playfully aggressive behaviours, while observable in all children, are more prevalent and observable in boys than in girls (Flanders, Leo, Paquette, Pihl & Seguin, 2009;Smith, 2010).…”