108). The development of activities in an after-school program that would allow the child to create different scenarios in which they express different forms of play is very important. Play is a large part of the school-aged child's social interactions with their peers, without play the school-aged child would not have an outlet in which they could their express their need to belong. "Play serves that very function and is often used to satisfy the school-aged child's preeminent need to belong" (Hughes, 1999, p.108).
3. The developing self-concept: A Need for Industry.
As school-aged children develop, they become eager to be more productive, which is how they view the adult role. According to Erikson, this need is referred to as industry, the accomplishment in the world of work (1963). As a child in an after-school setting, this need for industry can be fulfilled in a variety of play activities. For example, having a cooking activity implemented into the program, allows the children to apply themselves to a meaningful task that is associated with an adults role. Implementing play activities that allows children to feel productive gives them the sense that they are learning new skills and tasks. "The need for industry is often reflected not only in the classroom activities of grade-school children, but also in their play" (Hughes, 1999, p.109).
• Explain how what happens in children's environment (at least 3 issues) can affect the benefit of their play.
Coping mechanisms are important for children that are exposed to violence. Play allows children to express themselves and to talk about an incident that may have occurred, which is part of the healing process. "Children are able to deal with complex psychological difficulty through play"(Bettelheim, 1987, p. 35). Children that are exposed to violence have a special need for freedom; this freedom can be found in play. For the children living under the emotional constraints of a violent environment, play gives them the opportunity to explore and invent.
