Definitions of Play

Question 1

Defining play

Answer 1

Play is an ambiguous term and it’s definition is highly contested. Theories of play began to develop during the 18th and 19th centuries

Question 2

Froebel (1825)

Answer 2

Play is the greatest expression of human development in childhood and is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. It is key in educating the ‘whole child’ and allowing them to use all their physical powers and imagination to explore their interests

Question 3

Vygotsky (1978)

Answer 3

Play is a key fundamental to social, emotional and language development.

Children develop language through conversations with the self during play. Parents guide, correct and challenge children. Adults are important in facilitating a child’s development. Through scaffolding they can help children reach new zones of proximal development.

They develop and understanding of emotions and social roles through imaginative play, in which they take on various roles.

Question 4

Huizinga (1995)

Answer 4

Animals have been playing before culture existed

Question 5

Curtis (1916)

Answer 5

Surplus energy theory

Question 6

Gregg

Answer 6

1) Primal play

2) Exercise play

Question 7

Rousseau

Answer 7

Instinct theory: play is inherited and therefore children play instinctively