Definitions of play

239 comments

We have started from the perspective that play is complex and varied so it is perhaps no
surprise that it is impossible to find an agreed definition of play.

Three key questions have shaped the search for definitions:

 What is play?
 Why do humans and animals play?
 What purposes does play serve?

In this video, these questions will be addressed by your course educators, whose research on
play spans different disciplines.

In the next step, we move on to consider the definition of play offered by play scholar Brian
Sutton-Smith.

© University of Sheffield

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Georgeta Carmen Spirescu
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glynn scott

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16 AUG
A point a dot on a page a little times pencil a thought emotion idea a method of
communication force intent possibilities self determined reflective reactive
multiplicity ….potential wonder and frustration drawn torn up started again if its not
right emotion time tolerance and intolerance choice ,a battle a war a race a game a
pattern chaos and curation silent angry and active gentle and quiet imaginative and
representative ….. the tip of the iceberg with a sperm whale descending to find giant
octopuses in the deepest oceans and discovering with each moment new
possibilities ..freedom complete freedom

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 AT

Ana Tay

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13 JUN
I follow Peter Grey's writings as he shares amazing insights into the concept of
children's play.

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 SR

Sherrin Roomer

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26 APR
Play is when there is no structure and there are no rules.
Humans and animals play to explore and express themselves.
Play is self-directed children children develop emotionally,socially and phyiscally
through play.
Chilren learn to be creative and use their imagination through play.
When you observe children play you see the true personality.
For adults playing is also a way they can relax like playing tennis or gaming.

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 RP

Rachael Perrin

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06 NOV
As a teacher of children with special needs I agreed with the comment about how we
shouldn't limit our definition of play. As often people look at the children's I teach and
think they can not play however they just play in a different way to what is the
"norm" and we should as adults be more creative and tune into their ways of thinking.
No way to play is wrong as long as it brings joy to that person

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Heidi P

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20 APR
I agree! We has adults (teachers) need to be in tune with our students!

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Toni Dring

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08 FEB
The video is a helpful way of defining play. It can be an amazing on so many levels.
Importance development in our lives.
Its interesting that it can also be restrictive by others, not allowing freedom to grow.

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Heidi P

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20 APR
I enjoyed reading your post! I like that you pointed out that play is important
in human development.

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Heidi P

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20 APR
Play allows children to explore through their imaginations and curiosity. I really
believe play also helps children develop leadership skills and learn how to deal with
emotions and feelings they experience throughout life. Play in the classroom also
 creates a level playing field for all students. Play helps children develop
organizational skills and structure.

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 SB

Stacey Baines

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22 MAR
Play is a way of being creative and free
Play creates friendships and interactions it’s a form of communication
Plat helps our learning and imagination skills

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 SL

Sandra Langenberg

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17 MAR
 Interesting and relatable. Heard only 3 of the 5 principles of Grey mentioned; going to
try to look up the other two.

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 EN

Esther Nsiah

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22 FEB
Good guide for the whole concept

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 DS

Diane Shaw

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08 FEB
Interesting exploring play and meaning.
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Marion Davis

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07 FEB
Play is a great way to escape from the normal for a while, some children like the idea
of being in charge mimicking a teacher, a friend a TV character, there grandparent, so
many different ways to play, even when we as adults go to a show the theatre the
person/people are "play acting" so play for me is a very important time in all parts of
our life.

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 GN

Gem Nisha

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02 FEB
 Play create socialism.
Play brings harmony.

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 HA

Helen Alli

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01 FEB
Communication and perspective in a self directed way also social and cultural activity
.

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 OF

Oyindamola Fakeye

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31 JAN
 Play is creative
Play is a choice
I feel like sport and art are two types of plsy I’m interested in for adults and kids alike

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 AJ

Alice James

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24 JAN
Play is something that's self-directed, which instantly means it's going to be more
interesting.

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 ZH

Zoe Hatfield

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13 JAN
 Play should be something that I child can do as a way of expressing there emotions.

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 RM

Rabindra Man Maharjan

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05 JAN
play is a free engagement where one connect to the emotions.

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 MS

Mary-Frances Smith

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03 DEC
 I used to hate being forced into playing games at church, school, etc. when I didn't
want to. I still hate icebreaker games and avoid them like the plague. Really
appreciate this perspective!

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 DH

Donna Hall

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02 DEC
play is curious investigation, creating joy from nothing and the ability to create more.

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Sarah Corrigan

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24 NOV
 I really like this opt-in component. It’s absolutely true - the times I have been forced
to play, as a child or adult, have been so uncomfortable.

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 su

sabina umair

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12 NOV
Play is imagination, interaction, exploration, and development of social and emotional
relations.

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 RD

Rebecca Devereux

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06 NOV
 I found righting a definition of play surprisingly hard. I was also not entirely happy
with my final definition. Very interesting to see different views on play. Looking
forward to rest of the course.

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Rossana Espinoza

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15 OCT
Stimulating video. Enjoyed listening to the definitions. Self directed, exploratory,
sense making. Love those ways of thinking of play.

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 AA

Ayesha Asif

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 28 SEP 2022
Loved the last definition.

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 EU

Eiko Uehara

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25 SEP 2022
Each one has own definition of play, therefore, it is interesting to know about it.