Play is Serious Business

[Symbology]

I just heard a really good radio program on NPR this weekend. It was an interview with Dr Stuart Brown, a Neurosurgeon, who has created The Institute for Play based on his work and research in Psychology. One of the most interesting of his findings was a consistent theme shared by all murderers he researched, was a complete lack of play in their childhood. That play was important in coming to understand social boundaries and appropriate forms of problem solving.

 

My brain instantly thought of our poor children who have had their recess taken away by well(ish) meaning school administrators who want to save a buck... er I mean focus on the students studies so that they can make more money from good test scores... oh did it again... I mean gain a good education.

 

The video link off the page has some great pictures of a polar bear and husky at play.

 

Please share this with those that need the message that children (and adults) need time to play, for healthy social development. One of the things I enjoyed about the interview was that having children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, offered an opportunity to relearn those missed play time activities.

[Turtle]

That play was important in coming to understand social boundaries and appropriate forms of problem solving.

 

My brain instantly thought of our poor children who have had their recess taken away by well(ish) meaning school administrators who want to save a buck... er I mean focus on the students studies so that they can make more money from good test scores... oh did it again... I mean gain a good education.

...

Please share this with those that need the message that children (and adults) need time to play, for healthy social development. One of the things I enjoyed about the interview was that having children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, offered an opportunity to relearn those missed play time activities.

 

When I was a young man I taught swimming full-time and it was my practice, and the general practice as well, to allow the kids a 5 minute playtime at the end of their 50 minute formal instruction. An older female instructor at one YMCA however, refused to release 'her' kids in spite of my pointing out the value. Basically, I threw a fit and went to the boss and insisted she comply. Yada yada yada, everyone gets playtime.

 

Not exactly the benefits you list Symbology, rather I saw that the kids (adult students as well) tried things in play with others and on their own that they were hesitant to try in the teacher/student mode, as well as trying new skills the regulated instruction didn't allow time for. Then there was the forgetting for a while that you're in scary water by way of familiar play. Then there was the benefit I gained in watching for things to work on in later classes. Then there is the factor that it is supervised play, with instructors assuming lifeguard roles.

 

Man how I don't miss those 16 hour days! :coffee_n_pc: ;) :D Yeah...play is good, but it needs to be supervised play. That's all I got. :( :hihi:

[coberst]

Why do we enjoy activity that is play and not other kinds of activity? What is the difference between play and work? When we find a way to make learning to be play activity we will have found something very important both for children and for adults.

 

I suspect that the sense of creativity is at the heart of the matter. I suspect that the jazz musician could tell us the difference between play and work.

[Overdog]

My wife, who is a professor of education, has been saying this for years. So have a lot of others, as well.

 

Play = Learning - Benefits of Play

 

A part of my wifes work is helping teachers learn how to use technology to develop problem-centered, play based learning scenarios. These often will involve some sort of mystery or problem where the students must work together and research for themselves the relevant material to solve the problem or mystery. The teacher then, becomes more like a coach...the kids are learning, and having fun!

[TremendoS]

Play can have very different forms, and its results vary depending on what kind of play it is. I think what's more important is to develop a play-like way of thinking in a child's mind, so it is then preserved throughout their entire life.

 

If the play is rather just an activity with no underlying development process, it has nothing to offer besides a release of physical energy. A few people are talented in being able to structure a play with connotations that aid in the development of very beneficial traits and habits which can make adult life of children much easier and enjoyable.

[Michaelangelica]

Very important topic .

thaks Symbology

Good for you turtle

 

A famous Australian entrepreneur/adventurer/millionaire, Dick Smith recently complained that we were closeting our kids so much that they were not getting the chance to take risks. He felt that without some risk kids didn't learn as much as they could.

 

When I was a member of my kid's 'play group' I used to get down with them and finger-paint, cut and paste, sing, or whatever and have a great time. (usually stain my clothes irreparably)

The mothers thought I was crazy.(I was the only male-when they let me make my own cup of tea I knew I had arrived as an honorary mum/mom)

However i thought I was affirming to the kids that play was important as at least one adult was doing what they were doing (Often not as well)

 

Do other societies/counties have Playgroup Associations for under fives as in Australia?

What is a Playgroup?

Home

[Turtle]

I have been thinking about why the gal I mentioned was against play, and all I can remember is thinking at the time that she was mean and a bully. So, who is it needs convincing that play is serious business, and why is that? :shrug::xmas_sheep: :cussing: :circle:

[Symbology]

I have been thinking about why the gal I mentioned was against play, and all I can remember is thinking at the time that she was mean and a bully. So, who is it needs convincing that play is serious business, and why is that? :hihi::xmas_sheep: :cussing: :circle:

 

My my prejudicial opinion is that it is the Sensing Judging (SJ aka Guardian Group) on the Meyers Briggs scale that are the dictators... er authoritarians in charge who can't comprehend why anyone would need play time. I mean they were valedictorian ('dictorian" - coincidence? I think not ;) ) of their class and they never got... er needed any play time, so why should anyone else?

 

Let them eat cake! Or better yet read another book with their heads down! *raps the knuckle of they guy that just made that smart alek remark*

 

I know that the world would be in chaos if there weren't SJs running the place and making sure all the rest of us slackers were doing our work. But I for one would be gleefully dancing for a long while if they just vaporized for a bit. That would be a true vacation for all of us.

[Turtle]

My my prejudicial opinion is that it is the Sensing Judging (SJ aka Guardian Group) on the Meyers Briggs scale that are the dictators... er authoritarians in charge who can't comprehend why anyone would need play time. I mean they were valedictorian ('dictorian" - coincidence? I think not :cussing: ) of their class and they never got... er needed any play time, so why should anyone else?

 

Let them eat cake! Or better yet read another book with their heads down! *raps the knuckle of they guy that just made that smart alek remark* :hihi:

 

Interesting link requiring my further investigation! No doubt another smart alecky artisan need'n that knuckle-rap I wager. :circle: Speaking of wagers, I bet those SJ's thank god that the SP's are only ~35% of the population.

 

I know that the world would be in chaos if there weren't SJs running the place and making sure all the rest of us slackers were doing our work. But I for one would be gleefully dancing for a long while if they just vaporized for a bit. That would be a true vacation for all of us.

 

Well, I have to think the world was, is, and ever will be in chaos, but at least we have Saturday Night Live to dance to. :xmas_sheep: That's right...we're stickin' it to 'em for sure now boy!