Prompt

This activity will give you an opportunity to reflect on your own personal memories related to play and analyze which elements of those memories contributed to your growth and learning. It will also challenge you to interview an adult in household and collect their insights around playful experiences, helping to better understand what play means to different generations. 

Instructions

Part I: Memories of Play

1. Begin by reading this brief article, discussing different types of play in early childhood development. 

2. Identify 3 formative games or play experiences from your childhood. These could be games that are unique to you and your family, or examples that are more universally known (i.e. peekaboo, simon says, red rover, hide and seek, etc). These could also include more structured play experiences like board games. 

3. In the Response Tab above, list the name of the experience plus the Core Game Elements that comprise each play memory. These should include: 

A) The Challenge / Objective
B) Mechanics (how does play occur?)
C) Components & Materials Needed 
D) Rules
E) Space needed

4. Identify the category of play this experience falls into. (Unoccupied, Parallel, Associate, Cooperative, etc. ) What life skills are gained from this experience? These could be social, cognitive, emotional, or sensory. (i.e. sharing, empathy, delayed gratification, negotiation, taking turns)

5. In the style of Nathan Pyle's "Strange Planet", create a short comic strip depicting your play memory from the perspective of an alien. 

6. If time allows, create additional comic strips for 2 more memories. 

Part II: Parent Interview

1. For homework tonight, create a list of questions that you can ask your parent (or another adult in your household) to collect insights around their own play experiences. You should write at least 8 questions that include the following categories: 

A. Definitions of Play

i.e. How do you define play? 
Can you describe your favorite play activities from childhood? 
How do these activities differ from what you consider play today?

B. Memories & Nostalgia

i.e. What are some of your most cherished memories of playing as a child?
Are there specific toys, furniture, or spaces that come to mind when you think about playing in your youth? 
Can you think of an instance where a simple object or piece of furniture became a central part of your play?

C. Playful Interaction

i.e. Did you often play with adults (parents, older relatives) when you were young? What did those moments look like?
What made those interactions memorable or enjoyable?
In what ways have you found joy in "play" as an adult? As a caregiver, how have you found ways to interact playfully with your own children? 
How do you think furniture or spaces can enhance play between adults and children today?

2. In addition to the answers from this interview, record an key insights, discoveries, or themes that come up in your conversations. We will reference these in our Brainstorming activity. 

Deliverables

1. Written descriptions w/analysis & comic strip for 3 play-based memories

2. Interview questions w/answers as well as insights, discoveries, and themes

Materials

Pencil/Pen, Paper, Computer

Estimated Time

30-45 min