What is Play

Home > What is Play > Definition

Definition

Benefits of Play

Physical Benefits

Emotional Benefits

Mental Benefits

Social Benefits

Activity

Definition

Children are at play all around us. Play can occur alone or in groups. It can be spontaneous or as part of a planned activity. Play can be defined as a physical or mental activity that has no purpose or objective outside of pure enjoyment or amusement (Definition of play, 2004).

It is not hard to recognize the benefits of play because as an adult, you have already benefited from childhood play experiences; and, at least intuitively, you just know that children receive many good things from their playful experiences. For example, during play it is easy to observe pure joy, hear the genuine laughter, and observe genuine friendships emanating from not only our children, but also others that we see at play. Play is unique because it produces benefits that span multiple functional domains including: physical, emotional, mental, and social.

Play is for everyone! A young boy and his father play at the park.

All of these benefits are derived from play experiences. Realizing this is hindsight, of course, because we have learned as much through our own experience, intuition, and observation. It has been further reinforced through academic research, anecdotal evidence reported in the media, the proliferation of leisure related organizations and businesses, and stories shared among parents, teachers, recreation service providers, and others in the community concerned about the lives of children and youth. It should come as no surprise to learn that there is now widespread societal recognition and acceptance of the value and importance of play in the development and nurturing of children, all children, in helping them to grow up to have well balanced, healthy lifestyles.

Next »