'Play' is a very 'subjective' term. It is widely used in across many aspects of our worlds. For this reason, AIP has coined, and uses the term 'High-Quality Child-Led' Play.

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Defining play is important. This helps to create boundaries, guide our efforts, supports, investments and strategies.

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WHAT IS HIGH-QUALITY CHILD-LED PLAY? 

 

This definition is made up from several evidence-based academic texts, mostly derived from psychological disciplines including:  

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AIP adheres to the psychological definition of play Generally this is made up of 4 main elements:

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- Freely chosen

- Intrinsically motivating

- Self-directed 

- Autonomous 

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AIP also add from social psychology, that play is:

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Face-to Face - Children play together, in real life 

Embodied - A full sensory and tactile experience

Synchronous - Happens in the moment,  a feedback is immediate

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Finally, we have also added that play is Active - Movement of the physical body is used to make play happen.

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This type of play is essential for children to grow, develop and thrive.  

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This definition is not set. Mostly we are guided by the children and the direction of their play. We treat play as an express coming out from the child. 

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Play belongs to children, our roles is supporting the conditions for play to happen.