The Adult Role In Children's Play

These general guidelines may be helpful:
1) Value children's play and talk to children about their play. Adults often say "I like the way you're working," but rarely, "I like the way you're playing."
2) Play with children when it is appropriate, especially during the early years. If adults pay attention to and engage in children's play, children get the message that play is valuable.
3) Create a playful atmosphere. It is important for adults to provide materials which children can explore and adapt in play.
4) When play appears to be stuck or unproductive, offer a new prop, suggest new roles, or provide new experiences, such as a field trip.
5) Intervene to ensure safe play. Even in older children's play, social conflicts often occur when children try to negotiate. Adults can help when children cannot solve these conflicts by themselves (Caldwell, 1977). Adults should identify play which has led to problems for particular children. They should check materials and equipment for safety. Finally, adults should make children aware of any hidden risks in physical challenges they set for themselves.
(from online article, ED307967 88 The Nature of Children's Play. ERIC Digest.Author: Fernie, David. ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Urbana, Ill.)