Archive for the ‘Childrens Play’ Category
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007…and it never did me any harm!
A phrase we hear increasingly as adults reminisce about the play opportunities and risks that they encountered in their own childhoods!
But do today’s children have the same opportunities for free play and risk taking, and do they need them?
playtrain were honoured to welcome respected author, and experienced playworker, Bob Hughes who delivered a thought provoking & inspiring event that explored the value of play for play’s sake. Increasingly, people involved in childhood development are required to ‘prove’ the benefits of play and measure outcomes, as new government initiatives are launched.
“It is so useful to put into context what I am seeing and feeling about children’s play, with the research that backs this up. I feel validated!”
(Participant)
Over thirty play development workers, funders, arts workers, family workers, play rangers, toy librarians and youth workers came together to share ideas and reflect on the incredible changes that have been taking place in children’s play over the last 50 years.
Human evolution, awakening consciousness, connecting to gut feelings, links between play and brain growth, and play deprivation and the extreme consequences were just a few of the theories and research studies explored during the event.
Bob helped to supportively challenge participants thinking and encourage a new mindset around play that is open to possibility and playful about finding our way around challenges.
Do we leave children’s play to government or do we express our own agendas, and the experiences of children to make changes occur?
“We have to be prepared to do what we’re denying our children - take risks.”
(Bob Hughes)
Full notes from the event are available from playtrain.
