We have often come across the discussions regarding child development and have agreed to the harmful side effects of violence (through TV, video games or movies) on a child’s mind. A statement contrary to the latter has just arrived which encourages boys from playing with toy guns and other weapons in nursery schools. No, it is not a reckless avowal but according to the Government, boys in nursery schools should not be discouraged from playing with toy guns and other weapons, for role-playing helps create the right conditions for boys’ learning and could help them become more engaged in education in the future. In guidance for nurseries in England, the Department for Children, Schools and Families suggest that the staff should oppose a ‘natural instinct’ to stop such play but the teachers regard the toy guns as one symbolizing aggression and hence criticize the advice.
According to The guidance - entitled Confident, Capable and Creative: Supporting Boys’ Achievements:
‘Practitioners’ often find boys’ chosen type of play more difficult to understand and value than that of girls. Boys regularly use ‘images and ideas gleaned from the media’ as starting points in play, which may involve characters with special powers or weapons. Adults can find this type of play particularly challenging and have a natural instinct to stop it. This is not necessary as long as practitioners help the boys to understand and respect the rights of other children and to take responsibility for the resources and environment. Fostering these forms of play helps to enhance every aspect of their learning and development.
Teachers and ministers had been particularly conscious about the underachievement of boys as compared to girls in schools but the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has disapproved of the government’s advice on toy guns for when the boys have toys guns they are usually very aggressive. Apart from encouraging kids to play aggressively, some have also questioned it as a case of gender stereotyping for the boys are being cheered to play with toy guns.
However, according to the children’s minister Beverley Hughes:
The advice took a ‘common-sense approach’ to the fact that many young children favored boisterous, physical activity. Many boys liked pretending to be superheroes or playing at ‘Star Wars characters with their lightsabres. Although noisy for adults, such imaginary games are good for their development as well as good fun. The guidance also impresses upon staff the need to teach children that they must respect one another and that harming another person in the real world is not acceptable.
Well, this might be the government’s idea to promote healthy learning among boys by encouraging playing with toy guns but the issues lies whether the child is aware of the government’s earnest effort or will the child just dissolve his innocence in this play full of violence and fun to some. I wonder how many of us would be willing encourage our kids to be a part of such a play. Are you?
Via: BBC
