Original Play is a scientifically unrecognized game concept that was invented by American geographer and author Oscar Frederick Donaldson in the 1970s.
The sponsoring association, International Foundation for Original Play, was founded in 2018 by Jolanta Graczykowska, the "only authorized representative and coordinator of Original Play for Europe since 2002". The foundation is registered as non-profit in Poland, along with the association "Original Play Austria - play from the heart", which has existed in Austria since 2015. The association and foundation offer workshops, seminars, and lectures in several European countries to work with children and those interested.[1]
The logo is composed of two prominent blue abstract figures and a more trivial figure, arranged around a small red heart and intertwined in a spiral heart shape. Some variants include a single blue figure with a heart carrying the respective national flag of the country.
Adults act "playfully" with unrelated and unfamiliar adolescents and children, but also interact with other adults in close physical contact, often on the floor: rolling around, riding on each other, cuddling, or otherwise being physically active. According to Donaldson, the initiative should come from the child or the opposite of the Original Play game master. The game leader can actively ask children and young people to take part, and then let the children decide for themselves whether they want to do so.
Donaldson distinguishes "Original Play" as an original game in which adults adapt to children, from "cultural play," which is taught to children to adapt them to the culture of adults.[2]
The concept is said to help children, adolescents, and adults (with and without disabilities) play instinctively, peacefully express joy and trust, and get to know their bodies better.[3] Through Original Play, a psychological and physiological process should be set in motion that enables a combination of cognitive, emotional, and sensory-motor learning.[4] In this way, the individual experiences belonging to the group without fear and competition.
Anyone can apply to be a game master for a fee. There is no check for delinquency or other abnormalities.
Donaldson says he has used the method with children and wild animals around the world. The homepage states: "His playmates are children with special needs, gang members, refugees and street children, prison inmates, cancer patients, dolphins, whales, lions, grizzly bears, wolves, baboons, and butterflies."[5] However, photo and film credits of Donaldson's activities only demonstrate interaction with children up to the age of early puberty.
Original Play is played on laid-out mats. Toys are not used. There is only physical action. There are only two rules of the game:
According to the club, a game unit lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the age of the participants and group size. A 50 square meter room and ten meter square gymnastics mats are required for the play area.[6]
The criticism of Original Play concerns:
In a press conference initiated by the association, some Austrian media houses were invited to exchange ideas on November 13, 2019.[27]
{{cite web}}
: Check |url=
value (help)