Starting his short lecture with a picture of the front of Times Magazine entitled, “Why we Play,” Brown points out the fact that the entire cover is adorned with images of children playing. Where are the adults?

Going back to a painting of a courtyard during the 15th century, he points out that adults are there playing games in all varieties, making merry, and just plain having fun. He states that we have lost something in our culture.

Described in the film are different types of play. The first is explorative play, in which a child is exploring to learn and have fun. Social play, Brown indicates, is necessary for the development of important social skills that will be drawn upon throughout life.

Rough and tumble play teaches emotional regulation as well as other emotional, cognitive, and social skills. Spectator and ritual play is compared to spectator sports. The sport is ritualized play (a game with set rules) and many enjoy it vicariously by watching (spectating).

Imaginative play is great for developing creativity and imagination. All of these forms of play are important for brain development. Brown reports that we do not yet know all of the ways that brain development is spurred on by play, but it is known that a lack of play leads to a lack of imagination and social skills later in life. For more great information about play, watch the video.