Citation

Rothlein L, Brett A. Early Child Res. Q. 1987; 2(1): 45-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(87)90012-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Children 2 through 6 years of age were interviewed, and their parents and preschool teachers completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of play. Most parents defined play as something for fun or amusement, while teachers saw it both as fun and as an opportunity for cognitive and social development. Parents and teachers alike said they promoted play by providing a variety of materials; parents also said they played with their children. The majority of teachers did not view play as an integral part of the curriculum, but instead described a learn-play dichotomy. Parents did not support having their children spend a large amount of time in play during preschool. Children's favorite play activities according to children and their parents and teachers were outdoor play, dramatic play, blocks, and art activities.