ABOUT KINMA

PLAY

Play is predominant in the early years at Kinma. It is seen as a leading factor in the child's development. Central to the success of play is the child's self-control. This is seen in six aspects of play (as outlined by Rogers & Sawyers, 1988):

  • Play is intrinsically motivated - children do not need to be told how or what to do.
  • Play is free of externally imposed rules.
  • Play is carried out as if the activity were real.
  • Play focuses on the means not ends.
  • Play is dominated by the players - they make the rules, decisions and, as a group, solve problems.
  • Each child has to be actively involved for play to be successful.

From play, children learn how to behave in social situations that are acceptable. Since play is child-centred and directed, the children learn self-discipline and self-motivation.

Careful discussion takes place between family and school before the child enters Kinma. It is most important for the child's development that attitudes to behaviour and discipline are handled in a similar way at home and at school. If this is not the case, confusion can occur for the child.