PLAY CONTRIBUTES TO THE FULL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD.

Erickson, Ralph J.

Careful observation indicates that only through vigorous play as a child can one become a mature loving adult. Play is a natural activity of the child wherein he tries out ways of coming to grips with his environment and with others. Successful ways are incorporated into his personality. As children reveal their problems and basic natures in their play, wise teachers can assess and use this information in remediation. Some discussion of major play theories: release of energy, increased efficiency, tension reduction, instinct practice, and cultural recapitulation. Lack of suitable male elementary teachers for models handicaps boys in achieving emotional maturity and in handling sex problems.

PLAY; CHILD psychology; MATURATION (Psychology)

Education, 1985, Vol 105, Issue 3, p261

0013-1172

Academic Journal