Serious Play
Hi folks,
If you have ever thought (or hoped) that there was a connection between play and someone’s well-being, then you’ll love what I’m about to share with you.
The book ‘Play‘ by Dr Stuart Brown speaks directly to the connection between the critical importance of play and people’s well-being. As I’ve often wondered, Dr Brown’s research confirms that a state of play (as defined below) triggers the brain to embrace learning more effectively than most other tools.
You can listen to Dr Brown speaking at a conference here.
You can learn more about his book here.
Properties of Play (pages 17-18) – that is, what is it, distinct from other activity?
- Apparently purposeless – done for it’s own sake.
- Voluntary – the player deternimes their own level of participation, if any.
- Inherent attraction – as I say, fun is pretty hard to stand away from.
- Freedom from time – ever notice that when you’re fully engaged in something you like to do, time flies?
- Diminished consciousness of self – the focus is always on the doing, not on the who.
- Improvisational potential – rules rarely matter, and when used they are easily changed.
- Continuation desire – you wish you could play forever.
One of the most important things Dr Brown has to say is…
“Play is a state of mind, rather than an activity. Remember the definition of play: an absorbing, apparently purposeless activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of self-consciousness and sense of time. It is also self motivating and makes you want to do it again. We have to put ourselves in the proper emotional state to play.” (page 61)
This is SO true.
Play has little to do with the activity, and everything to do with what you bring to it. Geez, even washing the dishes could be considered play, IF you prepare a playful emotional state of play to it!! I believe this understanding could have an ENORMOUS impact on our curriculum, and in particular, the manner in which we teach it!!
Dr Brown has many controversial things to say, such as:
- There is a strong connection between a person’s ability to use their hands (at play) and their ability to solve problems;
- Social skills and intelligence is strongly related to a person’s propensity to play.
- The opposite of play is not work, rather it is depression!!
- The basis of human trust is established through human play signals.
What do you think? – leave a comment below…
I think he’s right on the money, and makes me even more passionate than ever to inspire people to integrate a sense of play into their curriculum / programs.
In conclusion, what does this all mean to you and me? Here’s what Dr Brown suggests (pages 206-216):
- Study your play history.
- Expose yourself to play.
- Give yourself permission to be playful, to be a beginner.
- Fun is your North Star, but you don’t always have to head north.
- Be active.
- Free yourself of your fears.
- Nourish your mode of play, and be with people who nourish it, too.
Have FUNN!
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Who am I?
Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
This blog shares some of the most successful group games, team-building activities & programming tips I know.
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