Monsters, Magic and Mr. Psycho: A biocultural approach to rough and tumble play in the early years of primary school

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    Abstract

    This paper focuses upon the developmental role of rough and tumble (R&T) play with particular attention to the narratives that children use to underpin such activities. A review of the literature suggests that current early years research and practice pays scant attention to children's outdoor free play activities. A piece of original research is described in which playtime activities were ethnographically observed over an 18‐month period. A biocultural approach was used in the analysis of data, in an attempt to encompass the roles of biology, evolution and culture in human development. Findings indicate that the narratives underpinning R&T play were socially complex and highly gendered, and it is suggested that much developmental learning may occur within such free play activities.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)171-188
    Number of pages17
    JournalEarly Years: An International Research Journal
    Volume27
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 16 Jul 2007

    Keywords

    • Bioculturalism
    • Culture
    • Evolution
    • Gender
    • Rough and tumble play

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