Types of play, culture, and disabilities

This chapter describes types of play that are commonly observed and highly valued in European and American schools and child centers—motor play, pretend play, construction play, games, and exploration/problem solving. Ways in which these can be supported by teachers and parents are discussed. The chapter also identifies types of play that are less familiar to some teachers, including rough-and-tumble play, music play, humor and friendly teasing, and work-play, that are more common in some cultures. The chapter explains why supporting these types of play in schools and child care centers is also important, since such play is equally critical for the development of some children. The play of children with disabilities, which can be simpler, less social and verbal, or quite unique, depending on the nature of the disability and its severity, are discussed. Ways of supporting the play of children with intellectual disabilities, autism, perceptual disabilities, physically challenging conditions, and speech and language disabilities in classrooms are examined.