Every parent wants their kids to succeed. We do too! But what do we need for that in a rapidly changing world?
The competition for college seats and great jobs is increasing, and so we see people focusing more and more on marks and coaching.
Research now shows that play and exploration are essential to success; children who play form better and more secure relationships, and have been used for thousands of years to teach skills such as dexterity or solving conflicts. In fact, India’s National Education Policy also highlights the importance of play, saying that it must be built into all five stages of primary education.
But why, we hear you ask? Well, because play allows all of us to learn without realising, whilst having fun and being most open to knowledge. Play gives us a safe space to try something out, fail and try again. And this cycle is the bedrock of learning. Once we’ve mastered this cycle, we can apply it to any topic or skill. We don’t need to wait for a class or a teacher to learn. This ability to learn is key to success in today’s world.
This basic approach is the foundation of our work; can we deliver important academic and life skills in a playful way, so that both volunteers and students take charge of their own learning. An exploratory approach builds key critical thinking skills as well as the grit and tenacity to keep learning.
“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman
So come play with us at Third Space, or create spaces for play at home – check out these ideas for what you can do!
