Is Play Frivolous?

“Play” has become somewhat of a dirty word in our culture. Instead of giving them space to explore the world around them, kids today must learn, study, do ballet, play soccer, take a second language, learn to code, pass standardized tests (or at least that's what we're pressured to do). We’re accustomed to thinking, “If your kids don’t do all the things, will they get into the best schools? Will they be successful? Will they make it in life?”

And as an educator, you’re probably feeling the same pressure from all sides (parents, management, society) to do ALL the things with your students and not allow a single moment to pass without focusing on academics. And that alone is stressful!

Well, here’s to hopefully relieving that pressure valve slightly for you…There is a significant amount of learning – especially social and emotional learning – and brain growth that happens when children of all ages are left to themselves and given space to simply play.

So you don’t have to choose between being serious about your child’s academic performance OR allowing them time for unstructured play. You can do both!