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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At the iOi, promoting qualitative ways of working with young people is among our driving forces, with learning and play one of our key themes. We’re excited to share this paper on assessing youth work through story-telling. Below is an introduction for our readers from Dr Naomi Thompson, senior lecturer in youth and community work at…
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Learning and play is one of our central themes at IM, so for us the link between the two is a cause we always champion. However, one could still see one-player video games as the antithesis to positive personal and social development. What we really love about educational gaming is that it acknowledges that learning…
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At the Institute of Imagination (iOi), we are often asked what the difference is between imagination and creativity. We answer by referencing our Institute of Imagination champion Sir Ken Robinson’s definition: creativity is the application of imagination. Is There A Difference Between Imagination And Creativity? Through imagination we can step outside of our current context, revisit…
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As we head back to school, everyone’s looking for new ways to inspire children. At iOi, it’s something we think about all year round, so that’s why we found this piece from TES so crucial. It seems simple to increase interest by letting children decide for themselves and keeping it focused on wellbeing by removing…
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What’s really interesting about this piece are the links to not only formal learning but social and personal education too. More time outside and thinking about the environment are worthy enough on their own, but gardening also provides crucial developmental insights such as understanding processes, unpredictability and teamwork. From the water vole to the Scottish…
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It’s tempting to try to keep up learning during the summer holidays, but a rest is the main reason for the break. Alternative ways to learn do both – maintain momentum whilst being fun. Here are some ideas from The Conversation. The end of the school year often signals long weeks of unstructured time and…
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When we’re thinking about new approaches to learning, it seems that the time in between might be just as important as the method itself. In fact, this research supports actually including short breaks as part of the process rather than seeing them as ‘downtime’ or ‘non-learning’. It’s a boost to thinking about learning as lifelong…
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This is an interesting exploration into how important it is that we not only foster playful learning in children, but how we shouldn’t lose that impulse as adults. In making it an essential part of lifelong development, we can ensure we champion creativity and play from an early age. I know as an adult I…
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We’re huge advocates of exploring the potential of play and its capacity to expand learning. What we liked about this article on research into outdoor play was what the team saw as the benefits of the snow study. Rather than just improving teaching methods, the children actually recognised the positive effects on their wellbeing for…
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We’re huge advocates of alternative routes to learning, and making it relevant to all. Maths might be one of the biggest challenges; its rigid principles seemingly essential to understanding. The problem, says US educator and self-confessed “maths lover”, Dan Finkel, is that underestimating maths is leaving a gap in our everyday and future lives. Dan…
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