what is play

Play is a multifaceted and dynamic activity that is commonly associated with recreational pleasure and enjoyment. It is a state of mind in which individuals are absorbed in an activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of the sense of time. Play can take various forms, including improvisation, pretense, interaction, performance, mimicry, games, sports, and thrill-seeking activities). It is a universal language of childhood through which children understand each other and make sense of the world around them. Play is characterized by being freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated, and it involves no external goal or reward. It is a process through which children observe, test, try, imitate, and enjoy their environment and the people around them. Play is also an important vehicle for learning, as it is tied to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. It is a complex activity with many integrated dimensions that have a potential impact on childrens outcomes, making it difficult to separate out play as an influence on learning.