Play

The main point that I got from todays session was that the idea of ‘play’ is a taboo state of doing. When you are a child play is acceptable, you are allowed to explore with colour, shape and object without anyone judging what you are doing and how you are doing it. As you get older, the idea of play becomes minimal, you are emerged in other obstinate in life and the way you are viewed by your peers changes. And again, as you progress into adult hood the amount of play you are involved in is next to nothing. Play also creates the opportunity for making unusual connections and as a result you are left with new insights and ideas.

Marshmallow challenge…

Task:

• To build the tallest freestanding structure using 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yard or tape and string and 1 marshmallow in the space of 18 minutes.

This task I carried out with three other people, we found that by starting with the spaghetti and ignoring the main problem, the marshmallow, we didnt estimate the weight or balance of the finishing fluffy pink ball of mallow that was to sit on top. If we had worked with the marshmallow first and built around it, we would have made a solid structure that was trendy enough to hold the edible delight.

Aspects of play

• Freedom of choice
• Joy
• Spontaneity
• Absense of consequences
• Removing constraints

Types of play

• Body play
• Object play
• Using hands play
• Curiosity & exploration
• Social play
• Rough & tumble
• Imaginative play

Attitudes towards play

• Childhood play
• Teenage years
• Adulthood

Permission to play

• Give yourself permission
• It is important

Walking away from this exercise, I have started to wonder about the prospects of this field group. I am questioning how creative and interesting this subject will be, it worries me that the building of the marshmallow tower may be the most creative and exciting thing we will get to do in this subject known as ‘Play & Creativity’…

Collaboration & Motivation 

The smallest things in your day to day life can affect the productivity of creativity. Gareth respesents the fundamentals of being creative as the ‘model for creativity’

 In order to fully exercise being creative, there are two states that cover important parts in order to be a great artist or creative mind.

Diversity…

• ‘The greater the diversity of opinions and perspectives you gather, the more affective you will be in creative value’  – the wisdom of crowds – James Suroweicki 

Wisdom of crowds…

• Diversity of opinion: each person provides information 
• Independence: people’s options aren’t affected by others
• Decentralisation: to access a wide variety of views 
• Aggregation: synthasising data

I understand the importance of working in a team and the significance of selecting people who hold specific talents or trates. When you use these talents or trates to their full potential you will have the intimate create group. On the other hand, this session was quite simple, the subject matter that was shown and spoken about in the few hours of field was common knowledge. When do we start creating and exploring? 

Play & Creativity 

Project Leader – Gareth Loudon 

Assignment Brief:

1. An exhibition piece related to the theme ‘wellbeing’
2. Presented by a 2 minute presentation explaining the piece and motive behind it 
3. Also a reflective blog and 500 word reflective pdp

I like the sound of the project, I think the brief is quite easy so I’ll have to make it challenging for myself. From the first session, I didn’t feel interested or engaged in what Gareth had to say. He spoke about his work and what he can offer as a teacher. He explained the project and brief itself. I find it hard to stay engaged if the subject matter is dull or is the teacher has a monotone way of teacher and talking. There was no flare or interesting facts. Let’s just see what I get from this….