What is 'rough' play?

Play is a multi-dimensional, developmental activity expressed through a variety of forms and actions (Tannock, 2007). Within early childhood children engage in a variety of rough play, but what exactly does this term of rough play mean? Trawick-Smith (2010) describes it to be ‘a form of motor play that includes wrestling, play fighting, rolling around and chasing peers, that relieves tension and contributes to social competence but does not lead to aggression’ (p. 206). Trawick-Smith points out what I believe are common misconceptions of rough play, in that it leads to aggression and bad behaviour. Aggressive behaviour involves ‘anger and a determination to cause harm to another, unlike the playful nature of rough-and-tumble play’ (Tannock, 2011, p.13). Children can display aggressive behaviour whilst engaged in this type of play, but I feel it should be explored to determine where the anger is coming from so rough play can be enjoyed in a safe explorative nature. Past studies have shown physical play is among the most popular form of play, so why is it we do not utilise rough play in children’s learning? ‘Such play relieves tension, exercises many different muscles simultaneously, leads to close physical contact with peers, and is generally great fun’ (Trawick-Smith, 2010, p.206). My challenge is to address the misconceptions and show you the benefits of rough play in an early childhood setting.