Who said "Play is a natural instinct"?

Understanding the significance of play in early childhood development has been a subject of interest for educators and psychologists. The statement "Play is a natural instinct" reflects the recognition that play is not only a form of entertainment for children but a fundamental aspect of their cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Key Points

Caldwell Cook: Caldwell Cook was an American educator and advocate for progressive education. He emphasized the importance of play in the educational process.

• The statement "Play is a natural instinct" aligns with the belief that children are naturally inclined to engage in play as a means of exploring their environment, developing social skills, and acquiring essential cognitive abilities.

Additional Information

• Piaget: Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist known for his work in child development. Piaget's theories also underscored the significance of play in cognitive development, emphasizing that children actively construct knowledge through play and exploration.
• Thorndike: Edward Thorndike, an American psychologist, focused on the scientific study of learning and education. While Thorndike's work was influential in behaviorism, he did not explicitly emphasize play as a natural instinct in the same way as Cook.
• Montessori: Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, developed the Montessori method, which recognizes the importance of self-directed play and exploration in a prepared environment. While Montessori strongly valued play, the specific statement "Play is a natural instinct" is not directly attributed to her.

In conclusion, the statement "Play is a natural instinct" is associated with Caldwell Cook, an advocate for progressive education.