Answer to Question 1
ANSWER: For adults, play is what they do when they have finished their work. For young children, play is what they do all day.
Answer to Question 2
They can have a negative effect in several ways. Competency tests can move ones thinking away from the fact that all children have individual differences. By setting a uniform standard, the tests demand that schools attempt to fit all students into the same mold. Secondly, the tests tend to force the curriculum downward so that children will be sure to be ready when it is time to take the tests. Younger and younger children, therefore, are presented more and more learning that was previously delayed until they were older. The tests have a number of technical and conceptual problems. They discriminate against those from multicultural and lower socioeconomic backgrounds and tend to test only what can be quantified. Important characteristics such as problem solving and excitement about reading are ignored. Finally, the tests have encouraged more retentions, failures, developmental kindergartens, and delays of entering schools. This has been done so that children will be ready for the increased demands of the tests when they are given.
Concept of Illness by Children
Developmental tasks for older adults
A toddler demonstrates symbolic play
Gender and Play in Children (1 of 2)
Extrinsic Motivation for Children
Barenboim's study show the change in children's descriptions of their peers