Blog Journal #1

I am thinking of focusing my research paper on the following area: Children Learning Through Play. I had the opportunity to talk with Jamie about her beliefs on different ways children learn. Jamie gave great insights on her understanding that children learn different aspects of life through play, such as language development, problem solving skills, cognitive development, emotional development, as well as physical development. Some issues that are related to this topic are families not understanding the importance of play, as well as the grade schools putting too much focus on standardized test. I often have issues with other professionals about the amount of play a child should have while they are in school. I feel that there should not be a limit on the amount of time a child has to play because this is the time when children are able to explore their environment and learn at their own pace. The advocacy efforts that are being made are getting more information to educators and families about the importance of children learning through play. I believe that this issue is the one that deserves professionals to become advocates because when children are not allowed to express themselves through play it can lead to negative developmental issues.