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The Big Play Experiment

The Big Play

The Big Play Experiment was born from reflections following previous playtrain training days. We noticed that when adults were really relaxed and at play, they mirrored images of children and young people doing similar playful activities.

At the time, we were also in talks with play guru Bob Hughes about his theory on the different play types in the development of the ‘whole child’. We decided to go on a creative journey of discovery with adults, children and young people to explore how we play…

Over the course of one week adults were invited to attend daytime sessions in mark making, 2D & 3D construction, little things, digital landscapes and story making. Whilst every evening, children and young people were invited to come into the space and make their own mark on this very special play experiment.
playtrain’s core purpose is to promote the creative potential of children to help make childhood an inspiring journey of discovery. The results of this particular journey of discovery have really helped us as an organisation and other participants in the process to re-assess what is needed to be able to promote the creative potential of both children, young people AND adults.

playtrain would like to thank all the people who helped make the project a success, including:
playtrain Development Manager Ruth Harrell and Training and Admin Co-ordinator Katy Garrett;
Artists and Facilitators, John Freeman, Matt Shaw, Jain McKay, John Godbold, Matt Robinson, Shiam Wilcox, Dawn Powell, Matt Beckett, Jonathon Lee and Janette Bushell.

All the participants including adults from early years, play and youth settings, other artists and teachers, etc;
And last but not least all the children and young people who helped to show how it’s done…!

The Big Play