What is now undeniably clear in the 21st century is that play is essential, vital, critical, and fundamental to a child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Without adequate, healthy play, children run the risk of entering school unprepared, growing into teens and adults without needed skills, and failing to meet their potential. Experts at the Institute for Play believe that healthy play in childhood can even prevent violence.
Through joyful, healthy play, children begin a love of learning and prepare for life itself.
What is Play?
Play is recreation, amusement, or fun. Even more says Jeanne Bassis, founder of PlayReflections® (www.PlayReflections.com) who offers “playshops” for adults, “Play is not just about doing, it’s about being. Play is a state of grace, innocence, wonder and creativity... and happens when anyone is truly living in the present tense.”
The natural activity of early childhood, play is what children do and their way of life. For young children, there is no distinction between play and learning; they are one and the same. Playing is a priority in early childhood, yet not all play is the same.
Most experts agree that children’s play can be divided into these categories:
Through joyful, healthy play, children begin a love of learning and prepare for life itself.
What is Play?
Play is recreation, amusement, or fun. Even more says Jeanne Bassis, founder of PlayReflections® (www.PlayReflections.com) who offers “playshops” for adults, “Play is not just about doing, it’s about being. Play is a state of grace, innocence, wonder and creativity... and happens when anyone is truly living in the present tense.”
The natural activity of early childhood, play is what children do and their way of life. For young children, there is no distinction between play and learning; they are one and the same. Playing is a priority in early childhood, yet not all play is the same.
Most experts agree that children’s play can be divided into these categories:
- Active play: running, jumping, climbing, riding, and other use of large muscles.
- Quiet play: reading, stringing, coloring, etc.
- Cooperative or social play: games and activities that involve more than one.
- Solitary play: drawing, dreaming, or any activity that involves only one.
- Manipulative play: putting together puzzles, building with blocks, cutting and pasting, or any activity that involves eye-hand coordination or fine motor skills.
- Creative play: painting, molding, solving problems, making music, telling stories, or any activity that involves a child’s imagination.
- Dramatic play: dress-up, make-believe, or any play that involves pretending.
The categories overlap and any activity will likely fall into more than one. For example, playing “Tag” is active and cooperative at the same time. Though children could care less which category their play falls into, it is valuable for parents, teachers, and adults who work with young children to understand the types in order to provide opportunities for children to engage in them all.
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