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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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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“It’s what Leonardo da Vinci did”, say the STEAM advocate trio of scientist, researcher and professor. It does neatly explain the essential inclusion of humanities, languages, music, design and new media (to highlight a few) into scientific education. Think of the ‘A’ as the glue between the elements, allowing teachers and students to bridge the…
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Our gadgets are getting smaller and increasingly require barely any human intervention. Taxis, food, music, and even the weekly shop appear as if by magic at a simple voice command. But as our computer-based solutions become invisible, are we actually less in control? Maker culture doesn’t only get in the middle and involve the user,…
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Interactivity has long been associated with engaging young people in learning, but this exciting new project goes one further and actually involves teenagers in the design. In this article from The Guardian, read about Melbourne’s famous Scienceworks museum and how their new exhibition is doing more to promote STEM subjects to young adults. The principle “science…
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We love talking about those inspiring learning in young people, so we were particularly excited to read this article about the London teacher named best in the world earlier this year. Andria Zafirakou is an art teacher with an unconventional approach; a departure from the more common strategy of teaching core subjects with rigorous structure…
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