CONCEPTIONS OF PLAY IN THE HISTORY OF EARLY-CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the original reasons for the introduction of play as an important component of the early childhood curriculum. The paper focuses on the late nineteenth and early twentieth century debates among educators and other professionals who were modifying kindergarten and early childhood curriculum theory and practice. This period was selected because the rationale and materials for play that are still current today were introduced into early childhood programs at this time. By analyzing the socio-historical context of play during this important period, the authors attempt to describe the original theories for play and play materials and to show the relationships with current theories; in addition, the historical analysis points out several remaining important questions concerned with play in early childhood programs that were raised in the early twentieth century that educators still need to address for the twenty-first century. © 1990 Human Sciences Press.