Anne Emerson-Smith Play Training PATHWAYS TO PLAYWORK Playworker Induction :Play Theory One Play Cycle

Introduction to Play Theory Sturrock and Else The Play Cycle or Pscycholudics

The Play Cycle Metalude Play Cue Play Return Play Frame Annihilation Adulteration

Metalude Idea Thought Happens before the play happens

Play Cue The signal or sign that they want to play Verbal or non verbal For example asking a child if they want to play or inviting them to play by kicking the ball to them

Play Return The child or adult returns the cue by joining in the play

Play Frame The boundary of the play In the play moment Changes when the play moves onto something different

Annihilation When the play ends The children may disperse Time may run out They destroy the play

The role of the playworker Recognise children's play cues Observe when children are not returning or offering playcues with others Support play flow without interfering Know when a child cues an adult to play with them

Benefits Play freely to explore. Experiment, find own boundaries Understand self and relationship with other Express ideas and feelings through free play