Episode 24: How children learn through play
We know that children learn new skills and concepts through play - so what can teachers and parents do to encourage this kind of learning?
13 April 2021
By PsychCrunch
What role does play have in child development?
In this episode, our presenter, Ginny Smith talks to some top play researchers to find out how children learn new skills and concepts through play, and explores what teachers and parents can do to encourage this kind of learning.
Ginny also discovers how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way kids play and learn.
Our guests, in order of appearance, are Professor Marilyn Fleer and Dr Prabhat Rai from Monash University, and Dr Suzanne Egan from the University of Limerick.
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Episode credits:
Presented and produced by Ginny Smith.
Script edits by Matthew Warren.
Mixing and editing by Jeff Knowler.
PsychCrunch theme music by Catherine Loveday and Jeff Knowler.
Art work by Tim Grimshaw.
Background reading for this episode
- The website for Fleer's Conceptual Playworld contains more information about the model discussed by Marilyn Fleer and Prabhat Rai
- Publications and working papers from the Conceptual PlayLab are available here
- Here are some of the key findings from the PLEY survey discussed by Suzanne Egan
- And here's a publication from the team on the impact of missing early care and education during the pandemic
The Research Digest and The Psychologist archives have plenty on play, including:
- An over-abundance of toys may stifle toddler creativity
- "Being Fun" Is An Important Marker Of Social Status Among Children
- Fantasy-based pretend play is beneficial to children's mental abilities
- Mother-toddler play-time is more interactive and educational with old-fashioned toys
- Learning in unexpected places: Elian Fink and Jenny Gibson on the importance of play in early childhood.
- Child play a priority after lockdown: Ella Rhodes reports on an open letter.
- A golden age of play for adults: Dave Neale on a growing yet under-explored area.
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