Question 1

Choose another student and create a debate based on this statement: Child-directed play provides more developmental opportunities for growth than adult-directed play. Each participant will have 5 minutes to convince the audience of their point of view, and will have one minute of rebuttal. 
Child-directed: voice of the child is heard, sees the child as competent, protects the nature of play
Adult directed: scaffolded learning, teacher knows best, structured learning is best, adults take control of the experiences, relationship based learning, play partnership

Accepted Answer

I choose to debate in favor of child-directed play providing more developmental opportunities for growth than adult-directed play.

In child-directed play, the voice of the child is heard and respected. This allows the child to take ownership of their play experiences, fostering independence and decision-making skills. When children are allowed to lead their play, they are more likely to explore their interests, problem-solve, and develop creativity. This type of autonomy is essential for building self-confidence and self-esteem.

Furthermore, child-directed play sees the child as competent. By allowing children to take the lead, they are given the opportunity to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. This type of play encourages resilience and perseverance, which are important life skills.

Child-directed play also protects the nature of play. Play is a child's natural way of learning and making sense of the world. By allowing children to play freely, they are able to engage in imaginative and open-ended activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development.

On the other hand, adult-directed play, while it may provide scaffolded learning and structured experiences, can limit the child's creativity and independence. When adults take control of the play experiences, it can stifle the child's ability to explore and express themselves freely.

In conclusion, child-directed play offers more developmental opportunities for growth as it empowers children to take control of their play experiences, fosters independence and decision-making skills, and allows for the natural exploration and learning that comes with play.

I now await my opponent's arguments.

B: I will be arguing in favor of adult-directed play providing more developmental opportunities for growth than child-directed play.

In adult-directed play, the teacher or caregiver takes on a role of a play partner and guides the child through structured learning experiences. This form of play allows for scaffolded learning, where the adult can support the child in developing specific skills and knowledge.

Adult-directed play also operates on the belief that the teacher knows best, and can provide valuable insight and guidance to facilitate the child's learning. This type of play encourages a relationship-based approach to learning, where the adult and child work together in a partnership to achieve specific learning goals.

Structured learning is also an important aspect of adult-directed play. By providing a framework for play experiences, adults can ensure that children are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities and experiences that they may not have chosen themselves. This can broaden the child's knowledge and skill set.

In contrast, child-directed play may not always provide the necessary support and guidance for a child to develop specific skills or knowledge. Without adult intervention, children may not be exposed to certain learning opportunities that are essential for their growth and development.

In conclusion, adult-directed play offers more developmental opportunities for growth as it provides scaffolded learning, a relationship-based approach to learning, and structured experiences that can broaden a child's knowledge and skill set.

I now await my opponent's rebuttal.

Question 2

Pretend play

Accepted Answer

A)   involves negotiation of roles
B)   involves role playing
C)   describes observing the play of others
D)   spontaneous activity involving imagination, imitation and make believe
E)   consists of engaging in play alongside of another child D

Question 3

Associative play is

Accepted Answer

A)   acting separately unable or unwilling to engage in play with others
B)   noticing children playing, mimicking the play
C)   acting along, following their own imagination
D)   watching the play of others
E)   involves negotiation of roles and the content of the play B

Question 4

What is special about children's play? Recall a baby or child you have seen playing. What were they doing and what do you think they got out of this?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is special about children's play? Recall...

Question 5

What is your reaction to the phrase "Playing is learning"? When you look at children playing do you see learning, or something else?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is your reaction to the phrase...

Question 6

Scaffolding is a sign of the ability of make mental representations.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Why might it be challenging to observe and record children's play in a useful way?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why might it be challenging to observe...

Question 8

Play is the work of childhood.

Accepted Answer