Play attitude and moods of play: a design-based inquiry into the affective nature and importance of play

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to clarify the relationship between the affective nature of play and the importance of play for being and becoming human. The inquiry focuses on the relationship between the affective processes of play, creativity and the formation of character, also referred to as Bildung. An intervention study is presented that explores this relation by applying a design-based research approach. The intervention took place in a Danish daycare centre and was part of a project, which aims to promote children's play and formation through art and culture. The play process is found to comprise four affective traits: the play attitude, characterized by being open to what happens; the flow of play, characterized by being lifted into a state of heightened energy; the moods of play, in the form of cheerfulness and enthusiasm; and the relationships in play, which concerns its bonding function.