Monsters,magic and Mr Psycho: a biocultural approach to rough and tumble play in the early years of primary school |
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Authors: | Pam Jarvis |
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Institution: | Bradford College , UK |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Bioculturalism Culture Evolution Gender Rough and tumble play |
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