The 12 Attributes of Play Defined
The Lethbridge Play Charter identifies 12 attributes that we believe makes play quality. But what do they mean? We’ve broken them down to make sure we are all on the same page!
We believe play is:
Creative - Creative play means making new things or thinking of new ideas.
Spontaneous - When play is spontaneous, it happens in a natural way, without any planning or requirements.
Limitless - Play is limitless because the ways to play are unending, and there is an endless amount of it! Even as adults, we are never done playing.
Fun - Play is fun when it is enjoyable to the person/ people taking part. Fun usually implies laughter but may also imply a lack of seriousness.
Freely Chosen - Freely chosen play occurs when a child's play is guided by their own instincts, imagination and interests. Children play without being led by adults.
Challenging - When play is challenging, children determine their ability and decides to play at the higher range of their ability. Children test themselves and find their limits.
Inclusive - Inclusive play doesn't mean that every element of play is accessible to everyone, but that the play is great for everyone. When play is inclusive, everyone regardless of background, age, gender, and ability will have opportunities to explore and achieve. When play is inclusive, all children feel included and supported.
Flexible - Flexibility in play means having the ability to un-learn old ways of doing things, and to look at things differently. The ability to think flexibly in play helps children get along with others. Increased flexibility in social interactions will enhance a child's resilience when things don't go as planned
Adaptable - Being adaptable in play means that you can approach play in a positive and proactive way to help deal with change or manage the unknown or unexpected.
Imaginative - Imaginative play is thinking of something ‒ an object, place, time, etc. ‒ that is not actually present. It's open-ended, unstructured play, with no rules, goals, or result
Self-Directed - Self-directed play is play that occurs on a child's own terms, where they are active in its creation and purpose.The child decides what and how to play based on their interests.
Undertaken for its own sake - When play is undertaken for its own sake, the child engages in the play because it is interesting and enjoyable, and not because you have or need to do it.