The Importance of Play in Child Development and Therapy

These flashcards cover important concepts discussed in the lecture on the significance of play in child development, therapy, and its foundational role in emotional health.

Play

An activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose.

Spontaneous Play

Play that occurs naturally and typically does not have a specific purpose.

Universal Right of Childhood

According to the United Nations, play is a universal and inalienable right of children.

Diminished Consciousness of Self

A state where individuals, especially children, are free and joyful, without worry about others' perceptions during play.

Clinical Play

A therapeutic approach where play is used in a structured manner to address psychological or emotional issues.

Conflict Resolution through Play

The process where children negotiate and resolve disagreements while playing.

Basic Needs according to Glasser

Survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun, which motivate all behaviors.

Overscheduled Activities

A situation where children have limited free playtime due to excessive organized activities, potentially leading to psychological issues.

Emotional Circuitry in the Brain

Specific areas in the brain responsible for processing emotions, shaped by lived experiences since birth.

Healing Wisdom in Indigenous Cultures

Traditional practices rooted in various cultures that recognize the importance of play for emotional and social healing.

Play

An activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose.

Spontaneous Play

Play that occurs naturally and typically does not have a specific purpose.

Universal Right of Childhood

According to the United Nations, play is a universal and inalienable right of children.

Diminished Consciousness of Self

A state where individuals, especially children, are free and joyful, without worry about others' perceptions during play.

Clinical Play

A therapeutic approach where play is used in a structured manner to address psychological or emotional issues.

Conflict Resolution through Play

The process where children negotiate and resolve disagreements while playing.

Basic Needs according to Glasser

Survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun, which motivate all behaviors.

Overscheduled Activities

A situation where children have limited free playtime due to excessive organized activities, potentially leading to psychological issues.

Emotional Circuitry in the Brain

Specific areas in the brain responsible for processing emotions, shaped by lived experiences since birth.

Healing Wisdom in Indigenous Cultures

Traditional practices rooted in various cultures that recognize the importance of play for emotional and social healing.

What are the key characteristics of play?

Play is characterized by being intrinsically motivated, freely chosen, enjoyable, and often involves a diminished consciousness of self, allowing for exploration and creativity without external pressure.

How does play contribute to a child's development?

Play is crucial for developing cognitive (problem-solving, creativity), social (cooperation, conflict resolution), emotional (expression, regulation), and physical skills.

What are the potential negative effects of play deprivation?

Lack of sufficient free play can lead to increased stress, anxiety, difficulties with social interaction, reduced creativity, and challenges in emotional regulation.

Solitary Play

A type of play where a child plays alone, independently, even if other children are present in the same area. This usually occurs during infancy and toddlerhood.

Parallel Play

A type of play where children play side-by-side with similar toys or activities, but without direct interaction or engagement with each other. Common among toddlers.

Associative Play

A type of play where children interact and share materials, but there is no formal organization, common goal, or assigned roles. They are interested in the activity itself more than the people playing.

Cooperative Play

A type of play where children actively collaborate towards a common goal, often with assigned roles and rules. This typically involves complex interactions and social skills.

Play Therapy

A structured, theoretical approach to therapy that uses play to help children express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process.