Glossary Term
Play
A spontaneous, voluntary, pleasurable, and flexible activity involving a combination of body, object, symbol use, and relationships. In contrast to games, play behavior is more disorganized, and is typically done for its own sake, i.e. the process is more important than any goals or end points. Recognized as a universal phenomenon, play is a legitimate right of childhood, as recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play helps children develop pre-literacy skills, problem solving skills, and concentration, while also generating social learning experiences and helping children to express possible stresses and problems.