3.2 Children’s stages of development and their play needs and preferences

[emmamoore264]

3.2 Children’s stages of development and their play needs and preferences

could you help me please a bit stuck oaths question

explain how children’s play needs and preferences change in relation to their stage of development.


List three ways in which a two year old’s play would be different from five year old.

[dregan00]

have you got the Level 3 Early Years Educator book? There's a section that explains the different ways each age group play somewhere. For example a 5 yr old is more likely to play cooperatively with other children as they understand the concept of sharing more whereas 2yr olds may prefer to play independently.

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi emmamoore264, excellent reply already given. You can also find Unit 3.2 on pages 177+ of this EYE book. If you use the look inside function on amazon search for the words 'suggestions for planning' and click to page 185 and also 'preparing to play' then click to page 189.

Page 185 Considering children's age and stage of development
You need to consider the age and stage of develoment of the children that you are working with and start to think about the activities that will be of interest to them and will also support development. You might, for example, begin by observing how they play. You might also look at their stage of development in relation to the aspects and areas of learning and development within the EYFS. (if you work in England)

So where you might take two year old children on a walk to somewhere they can explore objects freely you might ask a 5 year old child about the objects they would like to explore.

2 year old children might enjoy unrestricted ball play - rolling, and throwing, where 5 year old children might enjoy ball games that have rules - kicking, catching, more precision with aiming.

2 Year old children might need help with dressing up in costumes, 5 year old children might ask an adult for help with their dressing up and enjoy taking part in role play scenarios.

5 year old children might have a well developed pincer grip and fine motor control, so where a 2 year old may enjoy using crayons and chunky paintbrushes to apply marks to a surface, 5 year olds will have greater dexterity when it comes to controlling the direction and shape of the marks they make with tools such as pencils and paintbrushes.

Hope this helps a little , best wishes xx

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