Like other animals, humans have a playful instinct; we’re wired from birth to engage in play. Play is an evolutionary survival strategy ingrained in many species, including humans. Among other things, play contributes to our survival as it helps build our brains and bodies, bond us socially, and manage stress. This post examines how our playful instinct helps us survive and thrive.

The Evolutionary Purpose Of Play

Play is not merely a pastime but a critical survival component. Research suggests that play serves several vital functions that enhance an organism’s ability to thrive and reproduce.

Skill Development

The playful instinct is a natural way for young animals, including humans, to develop and refine their physical and cognitive skills. For instance, predator species engage in mock hunting behaviors during play, honing their abilities for real-life hunting. For children, activities like climbing, running, and building develop not only motor skills and sensory systems but also problem-solving and spatial awareness, essential for navigating their environment.

Reference: Bekoff, M., & Byers, J. A. (1998). Animal Play: Evolutionary, Comparative, and Ecological Perspectives. Cambridge University Press.

Social Bonding

Play fosters social connections and cooperation, which are critical for social animals’ survival. Through play, individuals learn social norms, build alliances, and strengthen group cohesion. For young children, play that involves taking turns, sharing, and cooperating teaches essential social skills that benefit them throughout life.

Reference: Pellegrini, A. D., & Smith, P. K. (1998). The Development of Play During Childhood: Forms and Possible Functions. Child Psychology & Psychiatry Review Volume 3, No. 2, 1998.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Engaging in play helps develop problem-solving skills and creativity. Animals and humans face novel challenges during play. Navigating these challenges enhances their adaptability and ability to handle unexpected situations. Early learning environments that encourage imaginative play, such as role-playing and storytelling, can foster these critical thinking skills, as do activities like building and process-focused art projects.

Reference: Bateson, P. (2005). The Role of Play in the Evolution of Great Apes and Humans. In The Nature of Play: Great Apes and Humans (pp. 13-24). Guilford Press.

Stress Relief And Well-being

Play reduces stress and promotes overall well-being, positively impacting health and longevity. This is beneficial for both individual survival and reproductive success. Playtime is essential for children’s emotional regulation and mental health, providing a safe outlet for expressing feelings and relieving stress. Active play involving heavy work, like rough-and-tumble play, climbing, digging, and chasing, is ideal for stress management.

Reference: Burghardt, G. M. (2005). The Genesis of Animal Play: Testing the Limits. MIT Press.

Learning And Memory

Play activities stimulate the brain, enhancing learning and memory. Neurobiological research shows that play increases brain plasticity, improving the ability to learn and retain information. Early learning settings prioritizing the playful instinct through child-led and play-based learning ( real play instead of play-like activities) tap into this natural process, promoting better educational outcomes.

Reference: Pellis, S. M., & Pellis, V. C. (2010). The Playful Brain: Venturing to the Limits of Neuroscience. Oneworld Publications.

Implications For Early Childhood Education

Understanding the playful instinct as an evolutionary survival strategy is important in early childhood education. Here are some practical takeaways for early learning professionals:

• Incorporate Diverse Play Activities–Ensure children have large blocks of time for uninterrupted, self-directed activity in an engaging, safe environment that promotes learning across the 5 developmental domains.
• Foster Social Interaction–Encourage group play and collaborative activities. These help children learn social norms, cooperation, and conflict resolution. But, understand that sometimes children prefer alone time to recharge from intense social engagement.
• Promote Problem-Solving and Creativity–Provide opportunities for imaginative play and problem-solving. Activities like building blocks, puzzles, and role-playing scenarios stimulate creative thinking.
• Support Emotional Well-being–Create a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves freely through play. Recognize play as a critical component of emotional health and stress relief. Their play may delve into serious, dark topics at times. Play isn’t always lighthearted and fanciful.
• Emphasize Play-Based Learning–Embrace play as your curriculum’s fundamental learning method. Recognize that play is not a break from ‘real’ learning but is itself young children’s primary form of learning.

The Playful Instinct Wrap-Up

Recognizing play as an evolutionary survival strategy enriches our appreciation of its value. By embracing the playful instinct, we can support children’s holistic development, preparing them for school and life. Play is nature’s strategy for thriving in a complex world.

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