E1 Age 3: An Introduction to Play

Join Patrick as he begins his investigation into our relationship with play and how it evolves across a lifetime, interviewing people from age 3 to age 77 over the course of this 6-episode series. How have their favorites games and pastimes changed as they’ve grown? And how have innovations like computers and technology changed the way younger generations play? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore with Patrick and his guests.

In this inaugural episode you’ll learn about four different types of play: Functional Play, Constructive Play, Symbolic Play, and Games with Rules. Plus Patrick discusses his interest in childhood development and his observations from speaking with his first interview subject: A 3-year-old camper who loves Symbolic Play (but even Symbolic Play has rules!).

Sections of this interview have been edited for clarity and time.