Playwork
Playworkers are the staff that work on an adventure playground who support play with minimal intervention. They are concerned with:
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"Creating play opportunities that enable children to pursue their own play agenda
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Enriching the child's world by providing opportunities for experimentation and exploration.
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Creating environments that address the negative effects of play deprivation and play bias.
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Develop appropriate responses for play cues.
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Facilitate opportunities for children to develop a sense of self.
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Introduce flexibility and adaptability into play environments in order to enhance the prospects of children achieving their full potential." (Brown, Fraser)
Play Environments
and Play Opportunities
Playworkers recognize that young people’s capacity for positive development will be enhanced if given access to the broadest range of environments and play opportunities.
Play Environments
and Play Opportunities
Playworkers recognize that young people’s capacity for positive development will be enhanced if given access to the broadest range of environments and play opportunities.
Play Frame, Play Cues
and Interference
Playworkers watch for a child’s play cue and support their play without judging or guiding it. The interference of an adult will take these magical opportunities away from the child's growth, development, and basic extinct.
Reflection and
Changing Environments
Playworkers are constantly reflecting, analyzing play experiences, interpreting play cues, reflecting on personal behaviors, judgements, stereotypes and changing environments to help create self-directed and free play opportunity for all kids.
More Readings on Playwork
Playworking
By: Pop Up Adventure Play
Pop Up Adventure Play are recognized as the most knowledgeable organization on training playworkers. They offer an online playworker course that includes field work, readings and reflections. In addition, they offer various services to help professional groups, community organizations and public institutions improve the opportunities they provide for play. If you are considering a play initiative, be in touch with them.
