Play Facilitation: The science behind the art of engaging young children

• In Event: Play to Win: how to use learning through play to develop the whole child

Proposal

Play is full of learning opportunities
Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, inventors,
scientists, artists, caregivers and educators. That
child playing with blocks on the floor with bits of
lunch still on her face may be the child who later
cures cancer, builds a solar panel that provides energy
for her community, or educates a whole classroom
full of children who are the next-next generation of
innovators. The question is how we can create learning
environments that empower young children to realise
their potential. In its many forms, play is full of learning
opportunities. A child scaling a climbing frame or
running through a field is developing physical skills and
the ability to assess risk. Children playing family are
learning to socially negotiate and self-regulate. When
playing in an imaginary store, children use mathematical
abilities and oral language skills, and word games are a
chance to practice their literacy skills.

Author

• jill popp, LEGO Foundation