Question
What are the key elements of playfulness, and how can they be used to determine if an activity is playful?
Answer
According to Anita Bundy, a prominent researcher on play, playfulness is defined by three key elements: intrinsic motivation, internal control, and the freedom to suspend reality. An activity becomes more playful when a child perceives they have greater internal control, feels intrinsically motivated, and can freely suspend reality. Conversely, if control is external, motivation is extrinsic, and the activity is literal and constrained, it tends to be less playful. For example, a child going down a slide is considered playful because they are intrinsically motivated, have internal control over their actions, and are free to suspend reality. An academic task, however, is closer to the non-playful end of the spectrum because it often lacks intrinsic motivation.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Play And Playfulness: Intentional Integration In Everyday Practice, presented by Shruti Gadkari, PP-OTD, OTR/L, BCP.
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