Review The Following Articles On Early School Age Pla
Review The Following Articles Regarding Early School Age Play And How
Review the following articles regarding early-school-age play and how play during this stage of the lifespan can influence an individual's future career choices. Do children's toys influence their career choices? Argos unveils top toy predictions for Christmas 2013. After reading the article, address how play can influence an individual’s career later in life. Refer back to your own childhood play.
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The influence of childhood play on future career choices has been a subject of interest among educators, psychologists, and parents. Play during early childhood, especially in the school-age years, is not only vital for development but also potentially shapes an individual’s interests, skills, and aspirations that can influence career paths later in life. The articles reviewed, including "Do Children’s Toys Influence Their Career Choices?" and "Argos Unveils Top Toy Predictions for Christmas 2013," offer insights into how toys and play activities may serve as early indicators or catalysts of future vocational interests.
Childhood is a formative period where play serves as a primary means for children to explore their environment, develop social skills, and understand the world around them. According to Piaget’s cognitive development theory, play helps children learn about their environment through experimentation and role-playing, which can nurture specific skills related to various professions (Piaget, 1951). For example, children who engage frequently in construction play with building blocks may develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills that are valuable in engineering or architecture careers (Lillard et al., 2013).
The article "Do Children’s Toys Influence Their Career Choices?" emphasizes the importance of the types of toys children interact with, suggesting that toys can encourage interest in certain fields. For instance, children who play with science kits, musical instruments, or building sets may develop latent interests that correlate with careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Research supports this, indicating that early exposure to specific toys and activities can influence preferences and skills associated with future career options (Vygotsky, 1978).
An example of toys predicting future interests is highlighted in the article about Argos’s top toy predictions for Christmas 2013. Toys such as robotic kits and technological gadgets tend to foster an interest in technology and engineering among children. This aligns with studies indicating that engaging children with technology during play can improve their technological literacy and ignite a passion for related careers (Bers, 2008).
From a developmental perspective, play fosters both intrinsic motivation and social-emotional skills, which are essential in many careers. Children learn collaboration, negotiation, and leadership skills through group play and role-playing activities, laying a foundation for future teamwork and professional interactions (Vygotsky, 1978). Additionally, confidence gained during successful play experiences can translate into a proactive approach toward career exploration and pursuit.
Reflecting on my own childhood play, I recall engaging a great deal with building and creating. I spent hours constructing models with Lego blocks, which not only entertained me but also helped develop my spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities. These early experiences ignited an interest in engineering and design, ultimately influencing my career choice to pursue a field related to architecture and engineering. The play activities during my childhood fostered curiosity and confidence, encouraging me to explore my interests further through formal education and skill development.
However, it is essential to note that while toys and play can influence career interests, they do not determine future career success or paths exclusively. Factors such as educational opportunities, personal interests, socioeconomic status, and mentorship also play significant roles. Nonetheless, early play provides a critical foundation that can help children develop the skills and interests necessary for various careers.
In conclusion, childhood play, especially through toys that promote creativity, problem-solving, and exploration, can have a lasting impact on an individual’s future career choices. Engaging children with diverse and stimulating play experiences encourages the development of skills and interests aligned with various professions. As exemplified by my own childhood play, these early activities can spark passions that influence educational and career trajectories. It is therefore vital for parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize the importance of play in shaping not only children's development but also their future professional lives.
References
Bers, M. U. (2008). Blocks to robots: Learning with technology in early childhood education. Routledge.
Lillard, A. S., Dore, R. A., Richey, E. M., & Boguszewski, K. (2013). The Impact of Playing with Blocks on Children's Spatial Skills. Child Development Research, 2013, 1-9.
Piaget, J. (1951). Play, Dreams and Imitation in Childhood. Norton.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.
Additional references:
Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191.
Fisher, K. R., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Singer, D. G., & Berk, L. (2011). Play, cognition, and the brain. In Infant and Preschool Mental Health Journal, 32(4), 276-290.
Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2008). Why Play Works. The New York Times.
Lepper, M. R., & Cordova, D. I. (1982). The overjustification effect and intrinsic interest: Evidence and implications. In Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 15, 39-80.
Sylva, K., Melhuish, E., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., & Taggart, B. (2004). The Effective Provision of Pre-school Education (EPPE) Project. Southampton: University of Southampton.