Play and Disabilities

 

Play Beyond Differences

The session on Play for Children with Special Needs and Circumstances deeply changed my understanding of inclusive education and the role of play in supporting every child’s development. Before the session, I often viewed disabilities mainly in terms of limitations and support needs. However, through the discussions, activities, and reflections, I realized that children with disabilities are capable learners who need opportunities, encouragement, and inclusive environments to explore, communicate, and succeed through play.

One of the most meaningful ideas I learned was from Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which explains that the problem is not the child but the curriculum when it fails to meet diverse learning needs. This shifted my thinking completely. I understood that teachers should provide multiple ways for children to learn, participate, and express themselves. Every child learns differently, and play can become an inclusive tool that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.

The Mirror Game activity was simple but very powerful. While participating in the activity, I noticed how much concentration, observation, trust, and cooperation were required between partners. It made me realize that playful activities can help children build emotional connections and social relationships naturally. I reflected on how children with special needs may sometimes feel excluded from group activities, and how important it is for teachers to create playful environments where every child feels accepted and involved.

The most memorable part of the session for me was the Chocolate Activity, where we were given multiple ways to express our learning and creativity. Instead of one fixed task, we could choose from activities such as writing poems, stories, role plays, songs, videos, concept maps, podcasts, and advertisements. I chose to create a podcast on chocolate because I enjoy speaking creatively and expressing ideas through storytelling and voice.

While working on the podcast, I realized that every student has different strengths, interests, and ways of learning. Some students may express themselves better through art, while others prefer speaking, writing, or acting. The chocolate activity reflected the principles of Differentiated Instruction (DI) because it allowed us to choose activities based on our abilities and preferences. It reminded me that learning becomes more meaningful when students are given freedom, flexibility, and opportunities to express themselves creatively.

As I reflected further, I understood that the chocolate activity was not really about chocolate, it was about understanding diversity among learners. Just like chocolates come in different colours, flavours, and shapes, students also have unique abilities, interests, personalities, and learning styles. No single method can support every learner equally. This activity made me realize that classrooms should provide multiple opportunities for children to participate according to their strengths and interests.

Reflecting on this entire session, I now understand that inclusive education begins with empathy, flexibility, and respect for differences. The session challenged me to think beyond traditional teaching methods and helped me appreciate the importance of play in supporting children’s holistic development. As a future teacher, I hope to create classrooms where every child regardless of ability can learn joyfully through play, creativity, interaction, and meaningful experiences.