What Is The Characteristics Of Play In Autumn's Play

1. Defining play can be quite difficult in terms of perspective and understanding the intricacy of human behaviour. There are eight characteristics that distinguish play from other types of human behaviour, thus assisting in defining play. Autumn shows many signs of acting out these characteristics, mostly suspension of reality. Suspension of reality allows Autumn to step outside of her reality and accept an imaginary self for the purpose of make believe (Levy, 1978). This characteristic is the most prominent in her play. For example, Autumn often enjoys “playing pretend” with all of her toys. With her dolls she often plays the role of the mother or teacher. When she is playing with her younger sister she plays many roles in their imaginary world, she especially enjoys becoming a chef in her “restaurant”.

Autumn also shows intrinsic motivation, which is the driving force to engage in play behaviour and activity (Helene S., 2013). Basically, there is no real reason for the behaviour, it is just done for pleasure. An example of this in Autumn’s play

Process over product highlights that the goal of play is the activity itself and the end result is not as important to the player (Johnson et al., 1987). An example of this characteristic in Autumn’s play would be her tablet. Autumn plays many educational games but forgets that they are there to improve her reading and math skills. She forgets that this is something that she has to do and starts to have fun with it, forgetting that it’s actually work. Autumn has improved her reading and math skills greatly since she has started playing more educational games.

For Autumn her play is very active, active behaviours may include exploration, experimentation, manipulation, make believe, and interaction with the environment (Helene S., 2013). When playing with her toys or her little sister, Autumn always plays an active