Module 2 4. Physical active play


4.1 Description All forms of play (activities) which encourage toddlers to use and exercise their arms, legs and other muscles. Active play definitely does not mean aerobics! Physical experience refers to a person’s interaction with any aspect of the physical environment. Physical experience is crucial to a child’s mental development. Children require freedom and time to play outdoors and indoors … space to play in and things to play with.


Te child learns through exploration and discovery. Trough exploration, the young child discovers his world and becomes aware of certain regularities, as well as cause and effect. 1. Exploration is the first step in the child’s discovery of his life-world. Te child explores in order to discover more about himself and his environment and not in order to become fit or to do physical exercises. Exploration is meaningful only when the child undertakes it. Te educarer cannot explore for the child, but she can plan exploration activities and can encourage the child to explore.


2. Discovery is the second level in the child’s discovery of his life-world. Exploration is undertaken by the child on his own and in discovery the educarer plays a role by planning activities, etc. to stimulate the child to explore and discover on his own.


Definition: Active play is the movement of the child by using his large and/or small muscles to do something or to move from one place to another place.


4.2 The value of active play


Outdoors is a work area, just as important as the block, fantasy or any other area. Educarers need to observe children outdoors and to encourage them to develop self-confidence, social skills, and physical skills and also language and thinking skills – to learn as whole people. a) As a child gains control of her body, her self-image is enhanced. b) As he discovers his own strength, he develops a concept of himself as a competent person. c) It is sheer joy for a child to move. d) When a child has the chance to be physically active, he continually gains strength and he grows bigger and becomes more agile.


e) Movements are more co-ordinated. f) He develops pride and self-confidence when he learns, e.g. to climb a tree or how to climb to the top of a jungle gym.


g) It is a way of getting rid of excess energy and getting rid of angry feelings. h) It helps him to develop socially (taking part with friends, sharing and waiting his turn). i) He develops initiative and learns to make decisions when he chooses what games he wants to play. j) It is very essential for the development of the large muscles. k) Language development takes place.


4.3 Development stage A brief description of developmental stages is given at the beginning of this module.


At 18 months, the large muscle development has improved tremendously. Tis is an exhausting stage because the child seldom stays in the same place for long – except when he sleeps. He then starts to sit for longer periods and uses his hands in play activities. He will want to function more and more on his own – dress himself, feed himself, pour his own juice, etc.


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