Introduction
Introduction
The Value of Play In order to enhance the value of play, you must know how to positively support play in safer and more meaningful ways. Play has innate value for all children. As a playground supervisor, how you approach the supervision of the playground may impact children’s physical safety and the opportunities they may have to develop physically, cognitively, communicatively, emotionally, and socially. With diabetes, obesity, and social issues reaching epidemic proportions, playground supervisors can have a significant role in facilitating healthy, active outdoor play and learning.
The importance of a qualified and caring playground supervisor frequently goes unnoticed by everyone except children. Supervisors need to be a compassionate adult, often lending a friendly ear, as well as an administrator, enforcing the rules. The primary job of a playground supervisor is to be concerned about the safety and welfare of the children that are in your care. How you choose to do your job may impact not only their safety but the value of their play. Through play, children grow and develop valuable skills that will carry them into the adult world. The work of a playground supervisor is to enhance play opportunities and restrict behaviors that prevent children from productive, safer play experiences. Supervisors should familiarize themselves with their school or agency’s playground-related policies, be trained in first aid, and participate in ongoing learning about best practices for playground supervision.
All of the small play events that take place during “play time” are the stepping stones that enrich a child’s life and pave the pathway to a purposeful adulthood. Determining the roles and responsibilities of staff while children are on the playground is essential to ensuring that opportunities are provided for play along a developmentally appropriate continuum of learning in a safer environment. While some staff may serve as supervisors, others may serve as play facilitators to engage more directly with children through guided discovery or perhaps by organizing group games or learning activities. It is important
to provide opportunities for children to experience various types of play through child-initiated exploration during free play and more guided learning and directed play in which children develop important social rules while interacting with others on the playground. Facilitators may provide redirection, encourage social engagement, or provide materials or equipment for children to interact with. Providing opportunities for various types of play can offer a well-rounded environment that promotes hands-on learning and encourages the construction of ideas and knowledge, while still providing opportunities for choice, social and pretend play, and problem solving.
Learning Outcomes • Summarize the role and responsibilities of a playground supervisor.
• List three environmental and three behavior-related hazards that may present on the playground.
• Outline five strategies for active supervision efforts.
Play Helps Children
• Learn about the world around them • Develop physical skills • Strengthen their bodies • Mature socially and emotionally • Learn cooperation and teamwork • Expend energy and improve focus (Studies have shown that free play helps children to increase brain activity and be better prepared to learn inside the classroom.) • Enjoy multisensory experiences • Demonstrate creativity and imagination • Develop cognitive skills such as cause and effect and problem solving • Learn leadership skills
Children have a sense of pride and accomplishment when they are successful at developmentally appropriate risk taking.
Playground supervisors have an important role in helping to protect children’s safety and enhance play opportunities.
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Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
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