What is the difference between Structured Play and Free Play?
Structured Play
Any organized activity or sport that comes with a set of rules and specific objectives
to achieve the ending goals.
Unstructured Play or “Free Play”
Any time dedicated to allowing the child the ability to make up their own rules as they
go along and to create new limits within their own boundaries.
What is the impact of implementing “Structured Play?”
+Fun and engaged way to learn
+Gain social competency
+Learn the importance of teamwork
+Increases mood & happiness
+Learn to identify rules & boundaries
+Understand objectives
+Learn how to achieve goals
+Increase in work completed well
-Less violence
-Reduction in peer aggression
-Reduction in bullying
-Reduction in ADHD
-Less fighting
-Decreased stress
-Decrease in unhealthy life choices
-Decrease in obesity
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Sacramento Region Affiliate
1446 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Prevention 916-922-5118 ext. 105
www.ncaddsac.org
What are the five ways that play benefits kids?
1. Play gives children a chance to find and develop a connection to their own selfidentified and self-guided interests.
2. It is through play that children first learn how to:
a. Make decisions
b. Solve problems
c. Exert self control
d. Follow rules.
3. Children learn to handle their emotions, including anger and fear, during play.
4. Helps children make friends and learn to get along with each other as equals.
5. Most importantly, play is a source of happiness.
How do you initiate “Structured Play” in your house?
For Structured Play to be effective you need to remember 5 key aspects:
1. Project enthusiasm
2. Convey how Structured Play is fun
3. Model how the game or activity chosen is played
4. Help to positively shape children’s skills and cooperation
5. Assure that children develop a consensus on the rules and their roles
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Sacramento Region Affiliate
1446 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Prevention 916-922-5118 ext. 105
www.ncaddsac.org