Characterization of schoolchildren's types of play / Caracteriza o de brincadeiras de crian as em idade escolar

This study investigated the different types of plays engaged by 6 to 10 year-old-schoolchildren and their gender differences. The representative sample consisted of 213 children enrolled in a private elementary school (from grade 1 to grade 4). The method utilized was based on interviewing the children in the classrooms and observing them directly outside the classroom during class breaks. The results showed that some types of plays (e.g., electronic and pretending games), which require ample motor functions, were performed by all children. Stereotyped plays were more observed among 6 to 8-year-old-boys. The diversity of games and the frequency of the observed events decreased among 9 to 10-year-old-children, mainly with the girls. It is therefore concluded that children even at school age demonstrate motivations to play, and some differences are found in some plays regarding gender and age.