Assessing Play Behaviors - Playground

After assessing him in both the classroom and non-structure school environment, I realized that he needs to be in the playground setting. With everything I have watched him do over the past several weeks (and years) it has come to my knowledge that he feels more open and free when he is not being judged in the presence of adults. By observing him on the playground, the intelligences from the previous two environments are able to shine through more than I ever thought imaginable. The main part was the bodily/kinesthetic because he was able to use his body to run, jump, and be rough with other males of the same age. Due to him being a seven-year-old male, he was as physical as could be. One of his favorite activities was chasing his friends and tackling them when he caught them and visa-versa. Each and every time this occurred, I thought for sure he was going to get hurt or hurt someone else. However this did not happen at all, but rather they enjoyed it a lot. Also, he was able to be in the nature environment that he desperately needs to bring about a different side of him. Being in nature allows him to experience the weather and be with the elements that he enjoys playing in. I found it interesting that at times he would break apart from his friends and go find some sort of weed/flower and experience that all by himself. He did not care if none of his friends were interested, he did it on his own. This was extremely beneficial for him because he was again able to calm himself down. He knows the different times when he can be crazy and loud and when he needs to focus and be by himself.

In addition, I was able to assess his gross motor skills in a wide range. Being outside on the playground equipment gave him free range to the blacktop as well. As certain times he would run with his friends, throwing, catching, and kicking the ball with ease. His skills were definitely where they needed to be for his developmental level. Also, his fine motor skills were evident in that he was able to tie his shoes with ease whenever it was necessary. He did not need any help from adults or supervisors at all. The entire time I have been observing him, he was able to do the necessary adjustments when it came to tying his shoes.