Social Interaction Through Structured Play Activities and Games in Early Childhood

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to identify the importance of structured play activities in children's holistic development, particularly in the development of social skills. It consists of two sections: a theoretical and a practical section. The theoretical section focuses on structured physical activities such as integrated and organized/cooperative activities, which can promote communication and students' interpersonal skills. The practical section informs educators on how to establish classroom rules and routines for creating a positive environment, use student-centered teaching styles such as the practice and reciprocal styles, apply teaching models like the Hellison model, and use modified games that foster students' social and life skills. Practical examples are also presented. It is concluded that in physical education classes, children's social and life skills can be developed through structured games and activities.