Author(s): Roopa Shankar

Abstract:
The English phrase ‘it’s a child’s play’, is often used for a task which is easy to accomplish or an act which is effortless. However, in the discipline of Child Development the word ‘play’ has a serious connotation. Play is considered a significant area to measure age-appropriate progress of a child. Children learn and develop though different types of play, such as, Associate play, Co-operative play, Physical play, Social play, Constructive play, Fantasy play, Pretend play and Role play. These are used by CD experts to give a nod to the multidimensional facets of Child Development. The inability of a child, to engage in play, is seen as a red flag in the course of development and is suggestive of the need for early intervention. This research paper, revisits Swami’s childhood in R.K. Narayan’s novel Swami and Friends (1935) and reviews his learning through play. Literary texts of R.K. Narayan are a historical mirror to many aspects, including childhood history of modern India. The paper reflects upon the importance of play and its positive effects on Childhood Learning. Play as a measure for developmental milestone crosses the barrier of time. Tools of play may change with time, but the importance of play remains constant for the child’s cognitive, emotional, motor, language and social advancement