Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Committee Chair

Barbara G. Warash

Committee Co-Chair

Reagan Curtis

Committee Member

Amy E. Kennedy Root

Abstract

Play is a vital tool for developmental growth and learning in early childhood. However, with the current focus on academics, there is less emphasis placed on encouraging children to play. The current study investigated parental beliefs on play. The sample consisted of 34 middle-class couples (34 mothers, 34 fathers) co-parenting a preschool-aged child (3-5 years) attending the laboratory school of a large mid-Atlantic university. Participants were surveyed about their beliefs on play. Results revealed mothers' value of play to be higher than fathers'. Although significantly different, both mothers and fathers perceived play positively. The findings suggest that early childhood professionals need to further advocate the importance of quality play and its ties with academic achievement to all parents, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.;Keywords: play, belief, parent, academics, early childhood.

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