Die waarde van spel in die opvoedingsproses

[摘要] English: This study regarding children's play and games commences with thestudy thereof. It is interesting to note that pedagogues and spiritualleaders already acknowledged the value of play and games at a veryearly stage. Thus they have pleaded for and exerted themselves in favour of therecognition of play and games as essential activities for the total development of thechild. There have been some who regarded play as unnecessary and time-consuming.According to this literature study concerning children's play and games, manyresearchers already completed their studies, while others are still researching thesubject to determine what play really is: Which value does play have for the child?What is necessary to make the child participate in play and games? To which extent isthe child influenced by his play environment?It is virtually impossible to mention all the advantages of play. Certain values arediscussed in this dissertation, e.g. the socialisation of the child, as he cannot developfully without other individuals. There are various relationships which can develop bymeans of play. In the first place there is the relationship of the family which must bedeveloped, followed by the relationship between one child and another, as well as therelationship between the pupil and the teacher. All of these lead to the building ofsocietal relationships.A child is sometimes in need of play on his own. This is of great importance, as thechild gets to know himself and learns to occupy himself. Territorial play is closelyrelated to sole play. It is extremely important for the development of the child to haveexperience of appropriating a territory or an area, however small, for himself.Independence and a sense of responsibility are developed spontaneously by means ofplay. The parents must merely provide the necessary opportunities for play, as well asstimulating and safe play environments. If these precautionary measures are adheredto, the emotional and physical development of the child will take place naturally. Ifchildren are hampered in their play, it can lead to the necessity to undergo therapeutictreatment. During the course of this treatment the child's play is of extremeimportance, because play is the natural method of communication of the child. Bymeans of play his problems can become clear to an observer, because in his play heexpresses his feelings, whether they be positive or negative. Play is extremely valuable,as a child learns more easily by play than through formal teaching. Various researchersin this field have proved that play can be a useful method of learning, for examplemathematics. Education therefore has a medium available which can and must still beresearched extensively. Education - which is the promotion of growth, child culture -will include teaching both in school and on the playground (Lee, 1942:40).Playgrounds provide the space for extramural activities - which include play - whichcan be an extension of the classroom education. This is the place where the childdevelops as a whole. The principal and the teacher have opportunities which are notalways available in the classroom. On the playground the child's needs are satisfiedand spiritual growth takes place as a result of his relationship with other children, withthe teacher, as well as with the principal (if he has the right attitude). The principalwho serves as a role model, will never be able to fully judge the value of the influencewhich he has on the pupils. Furthermore, it is by means of extramural activities thatthe child learns to fully utilise his leisure time.The parents play a very important role in the development of the child through play.Before the child goes to school, his development is the responsibility of the parent.When he goes to school, the parent shares this important responsibility with theteacher. The parent has an incredibly great influence on the child's attendance ofextramural activities. Thus it is also the duty of the parent to see to it that the childutilises his leisure time in a meaningful and fruitful manner, because this experienceaccompanies a child into his adulthood. It causes a parent extreme satisfaction toobserve the golden thread of the value of play in the whole of his child's life, especiallyas he himself lay the foundation.

[发布机构] University of the Free State