Why Play?
The concept of play is a critical, over-arching concept in our developmental programs at Horse Play. We utilize its beneficial elements to develop curiosity, problem solving, and creativity while exploring each person's unique style.
For children, play is significant to development; it's their work. Through play children learn about themselves, how to relate, and how to interact with the world around them. Play enables children to problem-solve, make mistakes, and learn in a safe way while developing physical and cognitive skills.
In a world where work dominates our adult lives, play engages our original thinking, freeing us from self-monitoring and the need to always have the correct answer. In this setting, play is an effective way to learn new concepts as adults are learning and adapting new behaviors, giving them the opportunity to practice what they are learning and stretch their problem solving flexibility. When teams and individuals engage situations in a state of play, they become present and free from pretense and judgment. They access more natural, pure reactions and let go of controlled, edited reactions. They take risks. They engage their natural creativity.
Play allows us to reconnect with all areas of life and get back to balance in the work place and our family life. In short, play allows people to be more effective learners.
"Play is basic to all of us. We play to develop our muscles and our brains. We play to be creative. We play to escape, in unplanned moments or structured games. We play to test our limits. Play can be cheery or furious, frivolous or sincere, simple or complex. When we play, we affirm our values and connect with others. When we are absorbed in play, we lose ourselves. When we look closely at play over time, we find ourselves."
Strong National Museum of Play
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