ERIC Number: EJ913855
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1089-5701
EISSN: N/A
Play and Positive Group Dynamics
Thompson, Pam; White, Samantha
Reclaiming Children and Youth, v19 n3 p53-57 2010
Play is an important part of a child's life and essential to learning and development (Vygotsky, 1978). It is vital that students participate in play and that play be conducted in a restorative manner. Play allows a variety of group dynamics to emerge. Irvin Yalom (1995) identifies 11 curative factors of the group experience. These factors include universality, imparting of information, altruism, development of socializing techniques, imitative behavior, interpersonal learning, and group cohesiveness. Other psychosocial factors connected with play are attitudes toward safety, encouragement and support from others, and participation. In choosing an activity, teachers assess the group's stage of development. Groups develop through four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Play and group games, facilitated in a restorative manner, can help youth increase self-awareness, build healthier relationships, and improve interpersonal connections.
Descriptors: Play, Altruism, Imitation, Group Unity, Group Dynamics, Group Experience, Children, Safety, Adolescents, Youth, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Leadership
Reclaiming Children and Youth. PO Box 57 104 N Main Street, Lennox, SD 57039. Tel: 605-647-2532; Fax: 605-647-5212; e-mail: journal@reclaiming.com; Web site: http://reclaimingjournal.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A