While there are many excellent classical theories of play, one of the most intriguing was introduced by the German philosopher and psychologist Karl Gross. He was responsible for developing a theory of play that rivaled that of early philosophers even those as far back as Aristotle, when he introduced the Practice or Pre-exercise theory. Gross’s theory of play is considered a rebuttal by many to the ideals of another classical theory of play The Surplus Energy Theory that was theory made famous by German philosopher and historian Friedrich Schiller and later expanded upon by British philosopher Herbert Spencer. The surplus energy theory focused on play being the result of “excess energy”, “According to the surplus energy theory, all living things (humans as well as other animals) generate ample energy to fulfill their survival needs; whatever extra (surplus) energy exists is removed through play” (Rees ,12)
In, contrast the practice theory introduced the idea that “Play allows children to practice adult roles and instills in them skills that will later be necessary for survival.”(How) Gross introduced the practice theory of play through two of his published works “The Play of Animals” and “The Play of Man” published in the early 1900s. Similar to other theories of play, Gross believed that children learn and adapt to situations, he also …show more content…
(Saracho, 39) Unoccupied play consists of the type of play when a child is just watching other children play and not playing themselves. Onlooker play is when a child is observing other children who are playing but are not engaging with other. Children who are engaging in solitary play are those who are playing by themselves. In, Parallel play a child is playing fairly closes to other children but are not engaged with the others but maybe doing an activity similar to the
In, contrast the practice theory introduced the idea that “Play allows children to practice adult roles and instills in them skills that will later be necessary for survival.”(How) Gross introduced the practice theory of play through two of his published works “The Play of Animals” and “The Play of Man” published in the early 1900s. Similar to other theories of play, Gross believed that children learn and adapt to situations, he also …show more content…
(Saracho, 39) Unoccupied play consists of the type of play when a child is just watching other children play and not playing themselves. Onlooker play is when a child is observing other children who are playing but are not engaging with other. Children who are engaging in solitary play are those who are playing by themselves. In, Parallel play a child is playing fairly closes to other children but are not engaged with the others but maybe doing an activity similar to the