The title of this blog post started with question. What exactly is playfulness? Is it a concept that challenges us teachers and teacher educators? Playfulness….when there are many definitions even for play? Most commonly, play is considered as an activity that is spontaneous, fun and intrinsically valuable. Play may often be thought as a child’s way of being, doing things – but play, and the joy and pleasure it brings, is very important for the well-being of all of us; both young and old (players) – joy that reflects and enriches our daily life, well-being, teaching, learning …and there is research on this 😊
Appreciation of play and playfulness influences the space that play is given in everyday life. The role of adults and their pedagogical approaches can create important barriers to children’s participation in play. Among others, play researcher Brédikyté (2022) points out that although play is a child’s activity, the creation and support of rich and complex social play require the mediation of adults. She argues that the partnership between adults and children in play is challenging, and that we adults most often (even when suggested) try to avoid taking on active role as a player with children. We prefer to perceive our teacher role as that of an adviser, questioner, observer, or controller of play. What Brédikyté is trying to tell us is that taking part in play is a double role, double subjectivity – being in a position of a player, enjoying the playfulness and imagination, and at the same time being in a position of a play guide. She reminds us, that this flexible boundary crossing between the two positions is essential for supporting children’s play, and that this flexibility is only achieved “through constant participation in children’s play.” The question that arises is whether we teachers are afraid of being playful adults or have become accustomed to the roles of advisor, questioner, observer, or controller? What does take to play the role of a rabbit, while trying to create a situation that involves and motivates all the players – changing a mindset and position of controller to playful role character?
Now there are many questions. You are welcome to participate in this conversation. You are also welcome to participate in Fera Conference on Education 2024 in Turku from November 21st to 22nd, 2024. https://kasvatustieteenpaivat2024.fi/teemaryhmat-ja-symposiumit.
Abstract submissions are open until 12.9.2024 and related to playfulness, there is a theme group number 16 within the title “Luova ja leikillinen opettajuus”. See you in Turku😊
Anitta
