Observe children in pretend play for the purpose of observing the six functions of play. (Note: A minimum of 5 different observations must be done through the semester. Though each play episode may not exhibit all six functions you must keep making play observations until you have observed good examples of all six functions.)
Each observation needs to be written in detail to the point that I feel I have been making the observations myself. You will include an introduction as well as conclusion sections and analyze what you have seen throughout the observations.
Be sure you are objective in each one. By that I mean you are writing specifically what you are seeing and not including your own opinion. It is not easy to do but factual observation is important. The opinion, which is called "subjective" observation will be included in your conclusion.
Record in your eJournal the following for each play episode:
Background information: Date and Time of the observation(s)
Description of the Children (e.g. approximate ages, gender)
Description of the play environment
Analysis and discussion of Children's Play specifically related to the Functions of Play and Play Facilitation techniques as described in the text. 2.1. Describe the play episode in detail that clearly is characterized by Suspension of Reality. This is an anecdotal (list just the facts and be objective) observation. Write down everything you see the children doing and saying. It should be as if it is a video playback. 2.2. Analyze the play episode. Provide examples from the play episode and explain why they are illustrative of the following: -2.2.1. Functions of play: Give examples from the play episode that demonstrate the six functions of play and justify why each is an example of that function of play. -2.2.2 Play facilitation: Analyze and discuss Facilitation Techniques (both direct and indirect) utilized by people or "things" in the environment. Use the text and other course materials to analyze the play facilitation in detail. Is it indirect? Direct? Etc. Explain why? Give examples.
Sample Solution