This article critique summarizes an article about the importance of play for child development. It discusses how parents can hold play dates to help develop their child's social and play skills. The article outlines different types of play children engage in, such as isolated, parallel, and common play. It provides tips for parents on encouraging mutual play during play dates, such as engaging with children, praising shared play, and providing open-ended toys. Play dates should last 30-60 minutes in an environment that fosters interaction.

1. ARTICLE CRITIQUE
Assignment 4.1
Article Critique
By:
Teresa Puga
ECD 400
Children’s Play and Learning Theory
CD 52 Lemoore Center
Fresno Pacific University
August 28, 2013
Sandra Richardson
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2. ARTICLE CRITIQUE
Article Critique
Play is a very important component to a developing child. Children need these
socialization skills to become functioning members of the community. Parents play a big
role in the development of play skills in their child. Parents can hold play dates to
enhance their child’s play and social skills, as was discussed in the article. Some parents
may be under the impression that play is not important to their child’s development
which is incorrect.
The article had a lot of great points about play; it discussed play dates for children
held by the parents. The article gave techniques to hold a successful play date and what
signs to look for to understand what type of play your child engages in. There is isolated
play this is when the child has no interest in play with another child or the play materials.
Passive observation the child shows interest in the other children, play materials of
another child, and activities. Parallel play the child shares space and materials but does
not directly play with the other child. Finally common play shared play, activities, and
materials the children participate in shared communication (Chambers & Horn, 2010).
If the children are having a difficult time in play and they are exhibiting
isolated play the parent needs to engage and talk with the children. Parents are role
models in play and should engage them and bring their play activities together. When the
children have successfully been joined in mutual play the parent should back out of the
play and step in when needed. Parents should always remember to give praise to the
children when they are sharing and engaging in these mutual play activities. These play
dates should be 30 to 1 hour long and the environment should be open and encourage
play. Items that encourage play are blocks and dramatic play items, items that discourage
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3. ARTICLE CRITIQUE
mutual play are books, play dough, puzzles, and crayons. These are very helpful ideas to
plan a play date that encourages play (Chambers & Horn, 2010).
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4. ARTICLE CRITIQUE
Reference
Chambers, C. R., & Horn, E. M. (2010). Strategies for Family Facilitation of Play Dates.
Young Exceptional Children, 13(3). doi: 1177/1096250610364352
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