Question

differentiate between free play and structured play

Answer 1

Structured play (also known as guided play) refers to play experiences in which the adult has more of an input, either in initiating the play, controlling the resources available, or intervening or participating during the course of play. 

Free play is generally understood to be those play experiences that children choose for themselves and that involve minimal adult intervention. The term ‘free play’ is a bit of a misnomer, however, as no play is totally free. All play experiences are structured to a greater or lesser extent by the resources available, the people involved and the context. Bruce (2001:117) suggests that children can demonstrate high order problem solving in highly creative ways during free play. Specifically, she highlights the value of “free-flow” play, which:is an active process without a productintrinsically motivatedexerts no pressure to conform to rulesis imaginative, original, innovative and creativereflects on what the child knowsuses previous first-hand experiencesis sustaineduses previously developed competenciescan be initiated by a child or an adultcan be solitarycan be in partnership with othersbrings together what the child knows, feels and understands