The Overarching Definition of Play in Early Childhood

The overarching definition of play in early childhood acts as the foundation of the ERPEC and is inclusive of most definitions in the literature. To create this definition, any specific play categorizations or types found in the literature, were put aside as these were considered for the other tiers of the ERPEC (Play Categories, Play Domains, Social Interaction Distinctions of Play). Instead, patterns and agreement in the literature related to the overall process and purpose of play, including a child’s behaviors and emotions during a play experience, were considered in the creation of the overarching definition.