Really Playing Together

Me with (Smart) Objects

3-4 years

15 min

Learning goal :

Learning to differentiate a human being from an "intelligent" machine

Pedagogical Intention :

Identify social / relational differences

Target skills :

Understanding that a robot cannot truly play like a child.

Materials :

Simple cooperative game + robot/toy

Detailed Procedure :

1. Two children play together using a game requiring coordination. 2. The teacher observes and verbalizes the adjustments (waiting, listening). 3. They then suggest 'playing' with an immobile robot/toy. 4. Children notice the absence of adaptation. 5. Summary: "Playing together means adapting to each other, feeling, waiting, and inventing. A robot just repeats, never truly playing with you."

Progress Indicators

The child explains that a robot does not adapt and does not experience play.

Research Foundations

Bruner; theory of social play.