What Is The Patina Of Play?
The phrase patina of play is a term of art referring to the look of items and spaces used for play. With a glance, you can tell that the things have been engaged with, manipulated, and explored. For example, the sand play area pictured above has the patina of play. Some of it will wash away with the next rain, but the play patina is often indelible. Favorite stuffed animals will always have that well-loved look that comes from years of play:
As the photos below show, you can tell when children have engaged with, manipulated, and explored a space.
For more examples, see this Play Space Critique.
Be wary of early learning setting that claim to be play-focused and do not have a patina of play. It’s hard to miss when you look for it.
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
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Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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