What springs to your mind when you think of the word ‘play’? A quick online search for the word produces the definition that it is ‘an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose’, which is perhaps the most common understanding. Yet this definition wildly underestimates the impact that play has for…
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We think that scientific inspiration is a really important element of understanding STEAM, one of the causes we champion at iOi and Imagination Matters. It’s so vital that we make room for creativity in science, not only to theorise, but to solve problems as well. Science can and should be the subject of of creative…
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We’re always interested in reading about new approaches to learning. Here, some teachers in the US are questioning homework. We don’t think there’s one right way, however, there are important things we can learn from new ideas. It’s vital that we constantly assess how we think about independent learning, and that we don’t miss any…
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New year, new thinking? Time for an interesting read from NPR on personalised learning. Controversial for some, revolutionary for others, it’s about students determining their experience. However, whether it’s the future of learning or not, it leaves some questions unanswered. See what you make of the debate. Personalised learning is based on going at your own…
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Among the many insights into free play in this article from Quartz is the possible relevance of this experience for the future. There’s a lot of talk circulating about ‘surviving’ artificial intelligence‘s takeover, especially in the world of work. Some of the thinking behind free or ‘risky’ play is that it develops the uniquely human characteristics…
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The really inspiring projects are those that organically achieve multiple aims. StoryWalk is such a simple concept – take stories from the confines of the page and into the outdoors – but in truth it does so much more than merely change the method of engagement. Bringing books to life in this way caters to…
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Some food for thought from social worker and psychotherapist Katie Hurley in Psychology Today. While we support the recognition of the essential nature of play, should it need to be scheduled on prescription? Undoubtedly, it’s an interesting development and brings this issue to the forefront, which is progress. Perhaps shifts like these will go some…
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Before the storied days of summer are forgotten, are there lessons we should be taking back into the classroom? Removing time and achievement pressure can prove a powerful tool in student engagement. A school in America’s mid-west has discovered how shifting the paradigm means we don’t have to leave summer holidays at the door. Middle…
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As our thoughts turn to the new academic year ahead, it seems obvious that schools need to create an inspirational environment for young people. And not just to increase learning; for us, making children feel safe, happy and engaged is a goal in itself. So why is the practice so far behind the thinking? Sharing…
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Imagination Matters is proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with award-winning author Neil Gaiman, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2015-2017 Chris Riddell, to celebrate their new work, Art Matters. Read on for an exclusive preview and your chance to win a copy of the book. “We have an obligation to imagine” Art Matters by Neil Gaiman Art Matters…
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This should be music to parents’ ears, especially at this time of year. Unstructured play is something we champion and explore at the iOi, so it’s great to see the benefits explored and shared. Katie Hurley, child and adolescent psychotherapist, looks at all the ways that play can bring cognitive benefits, and perhaps a stress-free Summer.…
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