Play

Abstract

Play is ubiquitous in society and dates back to antiquity. From an early age, it engages humans cognitively, physically, affectively, and socially and is now viewed as being central to human development. From birth, infants have an innate interest in exploring what is around them. We rock them, sing to them, and show them pretty objects to engage them. As soon as they are able, we give them toys to cuddle, to touch, and to explore, which they do quite readily on their own, once they are able. As children grow older and begin to move more capably, they run, jump, and skip in self-directed ways. Children’s play is intent and focused and operationalizes learning for them. Children integrate artifacts and events into their lives through their explorations in both individual and social play as they build their perception of the world. In addition to children initiating play, adults take advantage of children’s inclination to learn through play, and guide children’s play to help their development from infancy to adolescence.

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.

But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

Fred Rogers ~ Mister Rogers Neighborhood