By Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Inc.
Power play is typical in preschool age children. It is characterized by play that allows children to be in control, to try new roles, to release tension, and to participate in vigorous physical activity.
By Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Inc.
Power play is typical in preschool age children. It is characterized by play that allows children to be in control, to try new roles, to release tension, and to participate in vigorous physical activity.
Patty Eshleman adds, “Power play is an age appropriate way for children to learn to understand how things work in the world around them. It allows them to work out their fears and aggression as they enter the stage of autonomy.”
Particularly children explore: being in charge, feeling strong, and exploring the idea of “all good”. Activities that you might observe that relate to these goals are: hiding, “flying”, dressing in capes and goggles, & holding the hose.
Children try on new roles and new powers when they see how things are different when they put on: big boots, fire fighter hat, a cape, or goggles. They notice how everyone reacts and how it is different from usual.
Children release tension when they: scream loud, jump around, and exercise leadership.
Benefits of Facilitating Power Play: Language skills, creativity, divergent thinking, problem solving, and cooperation are developed.
Banning Power Play will lead children to: do it when you are not looking! Children will begin to hide their interests and activities from adults. They also might keep the power but change the rule. meaning: “It’s not a gun (sword, light saber, blaster), it’s a train, ship, plane…”