What is Play?

When we say "Play + Science = Transformation," we mean that as NIFP discovers science-based knowledge of human play, we will promote play-based practices that are transformative. In the future NIFP envisions, this mother has tuned-in to elaborate mutual play practices through NIFP outreach.  In this illustration, she is experiencing attunement play. Overview many forms of play here. .

We at the National Institute for Play are learning that a vast amount of scientific research contains rich data on play. Curiously, a good deal of the research is not yet recognized as play-related by the originating science disciplines. Part of our mission is to weave this un-recognized scientific information on play into the everyday fabric of our lives.

Science is making clear that play fulfills fundamental human needs. Skilled players are demonstrating the truth of the research findings. Check out this site and you'll begin to see the breadth and depth of a field not yet widely known.

"Putting the Skinned Knees Back Into Playtime”

This article -- in the Sunday, May 20, 2007 issue of the New York Times -- looks at the recent success of a newly published book “The Dangerous Book for Boys” by Conn and Hall Iggulden about traditional outdoor play’s importance in children’s growth and confidence: “For many parents and educators, the burgeoning interest in old-fashioned games is an outgrowth of a broader campaign, spearheaded by a growing number of national and local advocacy and research organizations, like the Alliance for Childhood, or the National Institute for Play in Carmel Valley, Calif., to restore unstructured play in children’s lives. They cite numerous studies that claim such play has many benefits, from helping children develop their imaginations to helping them learn to get along with others.” New York Times online subscribers can find the article here.