Role Play in Middle Childhood

Review the Rosin article, “Hey! Parents, Leave Those Kids Alone.” This article is the basis for this discussion.

For this discussion, respond to the following prompts:

• From a development perspective, what benefits are there for the children who visit the playground, and what skills are they learning?
• Using the language of cognitive and psychosocial theory, describe how this type of play promotes successful cognitive and psychosocial development in middle childhood.
• As a child, would you have enjoyed spending time at a playground like the one described in the article? Would you feel comfortable allowing your own child to play in such an environment? Explain why or why not.