Symbolic creativity in play activity. Toys and Daily life objects as playthings.

What is it about?

Children play with objects, whether they are called toys or not. Here the question is what kind of objects contribute to children’s symbolic creativity. What is the role of various material objects as playthings in symbolic creativity? Although they are silent, material objects around children function as key operators to let children produce on their own. Children need to be free to follow appropriate practices. Symbolic creativity needs the realm of freedom. Feeling free and having free time for play may be the only necessities for these activities. In these terms, toys or playthings should neither become the dominant parts managing the play nor dictate the way/pattern of play. In this context, we need to consider that the free play time without adult control is more important than having too many toys or designed materials. Much discourse has criticized toys, as they can be harmful as dominant interferences. Although toys and playthings have a place at all playgrounds in the modern world, free playtime is a self-evident necessity and should be free from adult interference. Even in educational settings, children should be left to their own devices

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Why is it important?

Symbolic creativity and value are created at the interaction of children and ‘materiality of thingness’ rather than in the individual product itself. It is necessary to cite from Attfield (2000): ‘the materiality of thingness that resides at the real world’ as the rediscovery of things to find authenticity and originality (p. 60). Under the hegemony of consumption culture, children can aspire to possess self valued individual products. Parents should consider their children’s basic needs rather than see them as little consumers (Kapur, 2005, p. 23). For the opportunity of symbolic creativity, toys should be either simple, such as generic toys, or in flexible and abstract forms as material entities. Parents need to avoid toys that tell their children everything, leaving nothing to imagine.