The Theory of Play
"playfulness is ... not only to be enjoyed but to be accorded high
value for its fundamental role in the success of all organisms, including humans."
-- from Variability in Brain Function and Behavior
One can and should indeed take play seriously. The list below provides an evolving
set of resources to help think about exactly what play is and what role it has
in biology, education and life. Updated summer 2005 by Kate Shiner, as part of the activities of the Serendip/SciSoc 2005 working group. Suggested
additions to this list are welcome.
On Serendip
Variability in Brain Function and Behavior
Playgrounds and Classrooms
Elsewhere on the Web
Non-humans
Jungle
Gyms: The Evolution of Animal Play
Article for Zoogoer by Alex Hawes
Why Animals Love to Play
Article for Ask by Ellen Braaf
Play
Clear, concise organization of some major concepts in
animal play theory
The Power of Play
Website from an Animal Planet documentary,
includes clips of animals at play, interview with an expert, and an interactive quiz
Humans
Right to Play
Play advocacy organization website
Social Study Games
A rich resource for those interested in the social and educational aspects of
virtual reality gaming
Why we Play Games
A corporate prospective
Child's Play? It's more
important to your child than you realize!
Play is the Business
of Kids
from the National Network for Child Care (1994)
The
Worksheet Dilemma: Benefits of Play-Based Curricula
by Sue Grossman, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Eastern
Michigan University
Why Children
Talk to Puppets
Resources for puppet-making and links to articles about the theory behind learning through puppetry
And elsewhere ...
Taking Play Seriously
Robin Marantz Henig, New York Times Magazine, 17 February 2008
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