Play, Games, and Playgrounds

Summary

In this informative session, the speaker explores the distinction between exercise as work and as play, emphasizing the significance of play in human experience. The discussion highlights the intrinsic value of play, its characteristics, and the difference between shallow and deep play. Games are defined as structured activities with rules, offering a clear contrast to the more spontaneous nature of play. The speaker advocates for creating 'playgrounds' in kinesiology, encouraging professionals to incorporate play and games into their practice, fostering lifelong engagement in physical activity for clients and students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Movement should be perceived as play rather than just work to foster a lifelong engagement in physical activity.
• 💪 Sedentary lifestyles and easy access to unhealthy food increase the importance of physical activity to combat health issues.
• 🚫 Focusing solely on the extrinsic benefits of exercise often fails to motivate people, especially young individuals.
• 🎉 Play is inherently voluntary, meaning it cannot be forced; individuals must choose to engage in it.
• 🌟 The experience of play is extraordinary, providing a break from the mundane aspects of everyday life.
• 🔄 Deep play is significantly more engaging and meaningful than shallow play, allowing individuals to lose track of time.
• 🕹️ Games are structured activities defined by rules, and they serve as artificial challenges that can lead to playful experiences.
• 📉 Shallow games lack depth and can quickly become uninteresting, while deep games can be enjoyed throughout life.
• 🌱 Playgrounds are environments that need to be 'grown,' reflecting the gradual journey of skill development and personal identification as a player.
• 👩‍🏫 Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate and cultivate their experiences within playful environments.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lecture?

The lecture focuses on the concepts of play and games, differentiating between exercise as work and exercise as play, and understanding how to incorporate playgrounds into kinesiology.

How does the speaker define exercise as work?

Exercise as work is defined as movement promoted as a means to achieve specific goals, appealing to rational self-interest, often linked to health benefits.

Why is promoting exercise as work not effective for motivating young people?

Promoting exercise as work is ineffective for young people because long-term health benefits, such as preventing heart disease in their 50s, do not excite them or encourage immediate participation in physical activity.

What are the key characteristics of play mentioned in the lecture?

The key characteristics of play include being voluntary, extraordinary (separate from the ordinary world), autotelic (an end in itself), and fundamentally fun.

How does the speaker differentiate between shallow play and deep play?

Shallow play is described as superficial and engaging for a limited time, while deep play is personally meaningful, immersive, and often leads to a state of flow where time is forgotten.

What is the definition of games provided in the lecture?

Games are defined as voluntary attempts to overcome unnecessary obstacles, characterized by rules that create artificial challenges.

How are games different from play according to the transcript?

Games are more structured and involve overcoming specific challenges, while play is a more open-ended activity focused on enjoyment and creativity.

What role does mentorship play in building playgrounds in professional settings?

Mentorship is crucial for helping individuals grow into their playful identities, guiding them to explore new activities and build confidence in their abilities.

What is the significance of creating playgrounds in kinesiology?

Creating playgrounds in kinesiology is significant because it promotes lifelong movement habits by engaging clients in fun and meaningful physical activities.

What overarching message does the speaker convey about incorporating play into kinesiology?

The speaker emphasizes that incorporating play and games into kinesiology practice enhances motivation for physical activity, making it enjoyable and meaningful, ultimately fostering lifelong engagement in movement.