Play

Play is a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities done for recreational pleasure and enjoyment. Play is commonly associated with children and juvenile-level activities, but play occurs at any life stage, and among other higher-functioning animals as well, most notably mammals.

Definition

Many prominent researchers in the field of psychology, including Jean Piaget, Sigmund Freud, and Erik Erikson, have viewed play as pertinent to the human development. It is also described as behavior which is freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated, and goal oriented.

Types of Play

There are various types of play, these include social play, constructive play, fantasy play, games with rules, and rough and tumble play.

Theories of Play

There are several theories that try to explain why we play. These include the Surplus Energy Theory, the Relaxation Theory, the Preparation Theory, the Growth Theory, the Recapitulation Theory, and the Catharsis Theory.

Benefits of Play

Play has been approached by several theorists as the first form of learning. Children experiment with the world, learn the rules, and learn to interact through play. Lev Vygotsky agrees that play is pivotal for children's development, since they make meaning of their environment through play.

See Also

• Game
• Toy
• Child development
• Lev Vygotsky
• Jean Piaget

References

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