The play classification model

This book’s play classification is intended to underline the bond between toys and play. It is therefore inspired by the work of Borotav (1974) and Rossie (1987) whose classification models were developed from the perspective of the bond which exists between toys and play. This book’s model was produced on the basis of connections between them and Schwartzman’s (1978) and Einsiedler’s (1986, 1990) models.

The classification used in this book has been produced in accordance with the same principles as the toy classification because 401 Danish children and their parents responded to the question:

Give the names of the games you play with your Mum and/or Dad (Name several)

From the questionnaire material collected from parents and children, approximately 2500 games were registered. Many of the games were mentioned repeatedly. Some of the games were described in many different ways and called numerous different names. The classification is therefore built up on the text of play.

In many of the games, certain specific toys are used, whose classification in the toy classification suggests a natural reference to a particular form of play.

The play classification can be characterised in just a few words, as follows:

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