Take some moments to re-imagine our education system… what would it look like? How would it be a place that embraced learning at a deeper level, and prepared our children to be resilient innovators, collaborators, flexible thinkers, and creative problem solvers?
There is one key superpower needed to make this a reality. It is often underestimated, misunderstood, and sometimes dismissed. It is not reserved for children either; and the benefits are immeasurable and available to us all.
The name of that superpower… playful learning.
Dr Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Vice President and Chair of Learning Through Play of the LEGO Foundation in Denmark has immense wisdom to share when it comes to the power of play. He has published widely on the role of play for children’s learning in schools and presented his work across various international platforms.
Thomsen reinforces that, “Play is really a state of mind. It’s about being playful, where you are actively engaged and open to test and try out things.”
In his interview on the Chatabout Children with Sonia Bestulic podcast, Dr Bo shares:
- The picture of an education system that embodies the value of play
- Progress points in society on reimagining education and redefining play
- Evidence based benefits on the importance of play for children
- Strategies for parents/ carers and teachers on how to welcome play in daily life
In terms of our interaction with children, he wisely states to not “set your expectations, always to be the one who knows everything, but instead acknowledge uncertainty and help to ask questions, reflect and explore ideas.”
This approach breaks through the ceiling often limiting our children’s learning potential. It is not only practiced by Dr Thomsen and his dedicated team of colleagues; it is also making its way into various education settings across the globe, provoking an enriched 21st century skillset, of curiosity, questioning, imagination, communication, all facilitated within a context of experienced joyfulness.
It is time to think and act differently when it comes to our children’s development and education. Regardless of age we are all lifelong learners; let us keep learning through play.
Join Dr Bo Stjerne Thomsen and Sonia Bestulic on the Chatabout Children podcast
Listen here: https://chataboutchildren.com/episode55
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