Play Observation

· Write detailed observation (2-3 paragraphs) of a young child engaged in outdoor play. - 25 points

· What aspect of development did you observe? - 20 points

· Did you find evidence of a connection/interest in nature, physical activity, of child-initiated activity? - 20 points

· Did you observe any instances of Big Body Rough and tumble play? If so, What behaviors indicate it was play? - 20 points

· Spelling and grammar - 15 points

I observed a young child aged 4 during outside play. The child was engaged in a game called duck duck goose. The children all lined up against the wall instead of sitting in a circle to play. I mentioned to the child I decided to observe that it be a lot easier for him and the other children if they all sat in a circle and ran around the circle instead of running around then entire park, so each child could at least have a turn. He informed me that they are exercising their muscles running a long distance, I responded you are correct. I watched how the young child touched each child on the head and say, “duck duck goose.” I watched the children play the same game for about 10 mins. I then noticed they were picking some of the same friends to be goose. I then stepped in and explained to the young boy that we should ensure we are picking each friend to have a turn. He then explained to me that everyone will get a turn on his watch. I immediately laughed and suggested I help to ensure each kids get a turn. The young child then picked a best friend as his goose and the boys ran around the playground in a circle about 3 times before returning to the wall. He even turned and yelled “you can’t catch me.” The other young child grunted and said, “because you ran way too fast.” The children on the wall even cheered for the children that were running. Once the young child returned to the wall he said. “I am the best at this game.” He then sat back down against the wall and waited for another turn. While siting and waiting for another run, he was telling the goose that he must pick someone slow, or he would get caught. He even told him you must pick a goose. I started a side conversation with the young boy and asked, “how often do you play this game?” his response was “I win at this game every day, I am a champion.” My response was “Yes you are a champion, you all are champions.”

The aspect of learning I observed social-emotional development, physical development and cognitive. The game gave children the opportunity to express themselves when they didn’t make it back to the wall first or catch the goose. It also allowed children to run, balance, create special awareness. With cognitive development the children used their listening skills, following instructions, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. I wouldn’t say I find a connection to nature except the fact children decided to play the game outside in natural environment which you could called a naturalistic environmental teaching experience. Also, at the age of 4 and 5 the particular game duck duck goose causes stress and anxiety, because waiting for a turn at that age is very hard. This game for sure causes some physical activity the children ran around the playground chasing one another. Children did not present with any big body rough or tumble play. The children are well behaved and are often taught that it is unsafe to rough house or play fight with each other. Although it happens quite often at this time of day, the children seemed more focused on getting a turn to chase a friend rather than rough play. In my observation the children only used more words that showed they were playing rough but in a emotional way like “ha I won.” Which made some of the other children feel like they lost the game.