Why is it important for children to choose some learning/play opportunities themselves?

Question

Why should we encourage them to choose for themselves and make their own choices? By children I mean young young children who are around nursery/kindergarten stage.

Thnks.

Answer 1

Yes, independence!

Answer 2

Children need to learn how to be independent.  This allows them  to use their thinking skills and be creative.  It also helps their self-esteem when they can do things on their own.  Choices allow children to use their thinking skills too.  They also help the child self-esteem because you are not telling them what to do all the time.

Answer 3

Child initiated play is vital to allow children to demonstrate their interests, make connections, make chioces, explore and take supervised risks. Children need to be able to access an environment that allows them to choose resources and take the initiative to follow their own enquiries and use thier imagination to make sense of the world in their play. We as adults provide opportunites for children to do this and develop their creativity and critical thinking through engaging them in interaction about their play, rather than directing it.

Answer 4

Two and three year olds are no longer dependent upon their parents and they develop their new found skills thereby building a positive sense of autonomy.  They begin to understand that they are someone on their own.  If children are not allowed to do the things they want to or they are forced into doing things that they are not ready for then they can develop a sense of shame or doubt about themselves and their abilities and may develop a lacking in self confidence.  Parents to not develop a child's autonomy by leaving them to their own devices, rather by encouraging a child to accomplish tasks that they can do, thereby building a sense of achievement, and subsequently autonomy (a basic attitude of "I think I can do it").

             At around the age of four, children are capable of forming a plan of action and carrying it through.  Children who are encouraged to form their own ideas and actions during this stage can develop a positive sense of initiative.  If a child is punished for their actions then the child can develop a sense of guilt about their actions and develop a lack of assertiveness.

Answer 5

If we are always telling the children what to do and where to go, how will they develop their own creativity and individualization?  It's also important to stand back and let children work out their own differences always being ready to intervene before any physical activity!