Everything plays… some time…

This is an interesting article (Akst, Jef., Recess, The Scientist, v24 i10 p44) that came across my desk today, describing how not only primates but all other sorts of animals play. Not only does it show that play is something that is deeply rooted in life, but there are also some ways to define play:

Burghardt’s five criteria for play:

  1. Play is not fully functional in the form or context in which it is expressed.
  2. Play is spontaneous, voluntary, and/or pleasurable, and is likely done for its own sake.
  3. Play is incomplete, exaggerated, or precocious.
  4. Play is repeated but not in exactly the same way every time, as are more serious behaviors.
  5. Play is initiated when animals are well fed, healthy, and free from acute or chronic stressors.

What really caught my eye is that last part. Well fed, healthy and free from stressors… that sounds much like what people need to be able to learn well. So it might be something to be explored, if one can play well, can one learn well as well?


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