Define work vs. play for children

[Labradora]

As a newcomer to MN I've been having a peep at some threads and have noticed that many contributors have strong opinions about work vs. play for infants at school. It got me thinking - play orientated learning is now universally accepted. I get the impression that some believe learning to be work? Is this a reflection of the way we were educated when we were infants? Why should work and play be mutually exclusive? Also, is there merit in encouraging children to persist when things start to get a bit harder? ie installing a 'work ethic' that will assist them as they grow older. I'd be really interested in views on this - for the sheer fun of debate really!

Well i certainly think it is worth encouraging child to persist when things are harder. When you praise a child for gettng something right or doing something they haven't done before that is just sheer bliss to see the delight and sense of achievement in their little faces. Apart from the hugs it's one of the best bits of being a parent.

For me the defintition of "work" and "play" in the classroom would be that "work" is directed or organised by an adult, so could be sitting practising numbers or writing, role playing such as a shop set up in the corner, pe or doing a directed craft activity whereas "play" is more child-led, less structured and needing adult input. Learning is certainly not separate to play though. Encouraging a child to try something new or a little harder is important to give them a self confidence and a sense of achievement but what this actually means should eb determined for each individaul child .

oh and the children themselves would probably see things completely differently ! "work" being time spent having to sit still, listen and do !

I'd would consider that "work" is adult led/initiated with defined goal(s) and "play" is child led/initiated with adult guidance where needed or asked for. I think children should be encouraged to persist when things get harder/tougher but also be given the option to come back to it another time if they are losing interest otherwise the "fun" element gets lost.

I should have just said - yes I agree with LIZS

What would you say about tasks that are inherently boring or downright repellent eg cleaning the loo (I'm thinking in this instance about the slightly older child being encouraged to be a part of the family household team)? Do you keep spinning the Mary Poppins line ie that fun can be found in any task if you look hard enough?

Probably offer a reward or treat of some type if necessary. Children in my pre-school will tidy up toys for a sticker or 10 mins extra play in the garden

Yes, for most things I can find a relevant reward to appeal to the different buttons in my 3 sprogs. That said, I'd really like to instil a habit in them that means as they grow older (eg student years) they can motivate themselves rather than relying on the old dragon with stickers in her lair (the dragon being me I mean)!

lol at mary poppins

uh...

yes, that is actually how I get the kids to help with disagreeable tasks

with a song

actually its true.

I found this thread interesting but read it from the perspective of infants working at home. My DD (3) is still at the age where she loves copying mummy. So anything i attempt to do around the house is always shadowed. Dusting and cooling are her favs'. Whatever she helps with she is always thanked - even when her help has'nt really helped IYKWIM.

However getting her to independantly put her toys away is always a battle and so she is really praised where she does something like this without repeatedly being asked....
Have I missed the point?

Not sure following this thread is compatible with making a bechamel - I keep leaving it on the stove and forgetting it - oops. My kids love singing and J Andrews so you have given me a new avenue to explore - thanks! We'll probably drive the dog nuts though..

No VMS, you haven't missed the point - I agree with all you say and have similar experience with mine. But as they get older the fun of trailing after Mummy with a broom seems less fun than building lego (cooking seems to have remained a top item that rivals even lego!) but some tasks e.g. putting pants in the wash, volunteering to rake the lawn (ha ha) seem to require greater incentive.

Sorry, but had another thought - when I first introduced my ds to touchtyping he found it very hard and unrewarding - I had to practically sit on him to make him get going but now he really enjoys it.

DD can also put washing in the machine and knows what detergent etc to add so DH is relived in case he has a need to do laundry after DC2 arrives.

I think making work look interesting, the page in the text book attractive etc helps.

When I was little I think the ethos was a Montessori type teaching so quite, not exactly play but quite fun as an infant. This was in the 60s. I don't think I've seen too much difference with our children who between them have been in 5 or 6 different infant schools (all private). But they certainly learn. I'm the sure teachers try to make it fun.

I was just thinking this afternoon as they had a completely free day today how much they were learning through play.

Encouraing them to persist when things are hard? Absolutely - like making them do homework when they don't want to. Essential,