Research publications
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Learning Through Play
WHITE PAPER: Learning through Play: a review of the evidence
This white paper looks at the most recent research on the role and importance of play for children’s life and learning concluding that the evidence on learning through play is mounting; engaging with the world in playful ways is essential for laying a foundation for learning early in life and learning through play is also proving to be an effective pedagogical technique beyond infancy and toddlerhood.
Neuroscience and learning through play
WHITE PAPER: Neuroscience and learning through play: a review of the evidence
Neuroscience helps explain how playful experiences can support learning. We find that each characteristic – joy, meaning, active engagement, iteration, and social interaction – is associated with neural networks involved in brain processes. These processes include reward, memory, cognitive flexibility, and stress regulation that are activated during learning and serves to prepare a child’s brain for further development.
Neuroscience and learning through play: a review of the evidence >>
The role of play in children's development
WHITE PAPER: The role of play in children's development: a review of the evidence
Current evidence base suggests that different types of play have a role in supporting the development of communication skills, of abstract thought, self-regulation, and more adaptive, flexible, creative thinking. However, more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
The role of play in children’s development: a review of the evidence >>
Next Generation Research & Innovation Networks
REPORT: To inspire a network on learning through play
This case report inspires us to think about a new space for supporting a community of engaged actors who are passionate about children, learning and creativity, and who believe that educational systems are pivotal to making real and sustainable changes.
Next Generation Research & Innovation Networks >>
Cultures of Creativity
REPORT: A typical classroom is fraught with killers of student intrinsic motivation
Cultures develop when people find ways to play, make, and share. This report describes how human cultures can be characterized by their similarities rather than their differences, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing playfulness and creativity to develop societies prepared to accommodate the rapid changes associated with technology and globalisation.
The Future of Play
REPORT: What is play?
Play is a vital part of human development because it is intrinsically motivated, lifts people to the highest level of functioning and brings together everything we know, feel and understand. Play also allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.
Future of Play >>
5 Types of Play - Portuguese >>
The Future of Learning
REPORT: The Future of learning is about creative learning
Learners are often held back not by a lack of intellect, but a lack of confidence. It can determine what projects we start, which projects we complete, and which skills we develop. Learning tools should encourage risk taking and show that ‘failures’ are just opportunities to learn on the journey towards mastery
Defining Systematic Creativity
REPORT: Systems make us creative!
Godtfred Kirk Kristiansen, the founding father of the LEGO® System of Play, believed that children should not be offered ready-made solutions, instead they needed something different that would strengthen their imagination and creativity. He devised the notion that a range of toys should fit together to form a system, in order to create a toy with value for life.
Defining Systematic Creativity>>
Defining Systematic Creativity in the Digital Realm
REPORT: Growing up digital
Can children play, create and learn in the new digital reality? Today’s children are increasingly digital bricoleurs, eager to modify content by hacking, mashing up and modding.
Defining Systematic Creativity in a Digital Realm >>
The Whole Child Development Guide
REPORT: Natural Born Learners
Children naturally invent new ways of achieving their goals. At once creators and builders, artists and scientists, children soon learn to imagine alternative worlds. They engage in fantasy play to understand their world and their feelings.
The Whole Child Development Guide >>
