Trying to define play is like trying to define love. You can’t do it. It’s far too big for that.
– Gordon Sturrock
If you’ve never given the concept of play much thought, the above quote might seem a bit odd to you; presumptuous even. I assure you, it isn’t. In the world of a child, and if we let it — us adults — play is a process of utmost importance. Did you notice my use of the term process there? That is key. Play is just that — a process. It is not a product or a destination. Play is a process through which children learn about themselves, their peers, the world at large — and their role in it.
Due to a variety of factors, including the current education system, the popularity of structured activities and after-school “academic enrichment” programs, and parents’ schedules, many children are play deprived in today’s society. Play deprivation is real and harmful, and cannot be remedied by playing organized sports or video games. Simply put, those types of leisure pursuits are not true play.
We are seeing a growing body of research on the importance of play. In fact, play is popping up in articles seemingly left and right. But it is not only the importance of play that should resonate, but the real and startling impact of play deprivation. That said, because as a society we currently view play as something frivolous, it is easy to let this research pass us by and go on with business as usual.
Think about it. What would your gut reaction be if someone said that they work in play for a living, or they are a play researcher and theorist? By the American yardstick, how would such statements be measured? Many people would think, “Oh, how fun!” and wouldn’t give it any deeper thought than that. But it is much deeper than that, and it is my hope that we can all join together to be a voice for play — in our communities, our schools, and our homes.
Let’s not take the fun out of play, but in turn, let’s not be fooled into thinking it of little importance due to its fun nature. Let’s play and learn and laugh together, and make sure we make enough time for living in this life.
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: featherbacon
Great post. I’ve always heard about people blocking out quality unstructured play time for their kids because they are so busy it has to be scheduled. I think it should be the opposite. Quality structured activities and learning should be scheduled around kids’ play time.
Kids are so busy in today’s society that they have little free time! It breaks my heart to see kids shuffled from activity to activity often times without being asked if they want tennis or dance lessons or whatever the activity may be. I bet if you asked them they would rather have some free play time with their friends. Time to relax and just be kids!
Another great post, Bethe.
Wow, I just realized that **I** was playing yesterday! Hardly a kid at 63 years old, however… And did you know that the etymology of “play” and “pray” are very closely related?
You had me at the quote, Bethe!
I was sitting at a conference last week with a group of dedicated early childhood professionals. We were chatting, laughing, and telling stories. The subject of play came up and the mood changed. It turned somber as we voiced our concerns about the lack of true play in young children’s lives.
It will take many voices sharing deep thoughts about play to make the kind of changes our group wants for young children and their families. Thanks, Bethe, for giving us this space to gather together. It is wonderful to see so many folks here that are passionate about play!
Another wonderful post, Bethe! When we didn’t put our oldest daughter in preschool a lot of our friends questioned whether she would be “ready” for kindergarten. Everytime I read your site our decision is validated again and again. Now I know that we’ve given Caleigh something more precious than learning five different languages before age five… we’ve given her the chance to play.
Love the quote! I have been coming to the realization that *I* need the structure of organized activities. Kids need the opportunity to be unstructured, and yes even bored! Yes they love going to gymnastics class, etc. and I still think they have value, but not to the extent that kids are so scheduled they have little time to just be a kid.
For the night shift: Today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parents
RT @balmeras: Today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parents
RT @balmeras: For the night shift today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parents
Play is where the imagination kicks in, as we remove the structure of serious thinking/planning and allow for the magic of spontaneity to occur. And for some reason, laughter becomes part of the process, and that is such a good thing to do, at work or at play!
RT @TomVMorris: I could not wait to read the new short blog by @balmeras: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 – really true!!!!!!
RT @TomVMorris: I could not wait to read the new short blog by @balmeras: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 – really true!!!!!!
I’m rereading @balmeras NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 YES, it’s that good! #playoutdoors
For the night shift: Today’s post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parents
Wonderul post from @balmeras @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors
On a play roll RT @balmeras: NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: Getting Serious About Play http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parents
Great article! @balmeras Getting Serious About Play @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/rN9S1 #playoutdoors #parent