Unstructured Play

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​You have read many ideas for facilitating play for school-age children. However, please remember that unstructured play is extremely important; the non-structured, un-facilitated, random play self-directed by the children. 

Structured play has a set of rules with specific objectives.

Most games fall under the category of structured play: card games, board games and classic outdoor games like red-light-green-light and tag are all structured activities. Putting puzzles together is a structured activity. So is following directions to assemble a toy, model airplane or Lego theme set. Organized sports—soccer, hockey, tennis, etc.—are all examples of structured activities. Generally speaking, when a child is engaging in structured play, they are seeking the most efficient way to achieve pre-existing objectives.​

Unstructured play is open ended with unlimited possibilities. 

Playing with blocks is unstructured play. So is coloring, drawing or painting on blank paper. Deciding how to play with a toy airplane or doll is unstructured play. Inventing games to play is unstructured activity. So is running around the playground or park. Generally speaking, when a child is engaging in unstructured play, they are in the process of establishing their own objectives.​ 

While free play is important, at times you will want to extend the children’s learning experiences through directed play. You are the one who chooses an activity, and you do it with the children. You might collect the materials for a science project, and then explain the project as you guide the children through it. 

Blocks and Mortar

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Discussion: Play  
3. Defining Play
4. DAP
5. Cooperative Play
6. Hula Hoop Activity  
7. Independent Play
8. Supporting Play
9. Jellyfish Painting Activity 
10. Active Play

11. Giraffe Legs Activity 
12. Constructive Play
13. Look Out Below 
14. Fantasy Play 
15. Worm Retelling 
16. Rule-Based Play
17. Pirate Hook Ring Toss 
18. Ages and Stages
19. Discussion: Ages &  Stages 
20. Unstructured Play

21. Structured Play Vs Unstructured 
22. Play Through the Ages
23. 5-6 Years: Early School Age Children
24. 5-6 Year Old’s 
25. 7-8 Years: Early School Age Children
26. 7-8 Year Old’s 
27. 9-12 Years: Early School Age Children
28. Discussion: Play
29. End of Course Quiz 
30. Course Evaluation Form
​Parking Lot