Adult perceptions of favorite childhood play experiences

Abstract

Observational studies of childhood play have been commonplace throughout most of the twentieth century. While this methodology provides many insights into children's play behaviors, other strategies may enrich understandings of this important activity. The present study implemented a research procedure in which adults were asked to remember, draw, and discuss a favorite childhood play experience. One hundred fifteen students from six university classes participated as subjects. Data were summarized in four ways: (1) play materials used in the remembered play experiences, (2) the social and cognitive play types described, (3) the playmates identified, and (4) a comparison of the play experiences occurring indoors or outdoors. Play materials described were frequently either natural (ie rocks, leaves) or non‐play items (ie pots and pans). Social play with friends and/or siblings was remembered more often than solitary activities. Over seventy‐five percent of the adults remembered outdoor play experiences.

Key words:

• Play
• outdoor activities
• adult reflections