This paper engages with multiplicity in methodology through reflections on a dance and risky play research project in a shared problematisation of children's physical activity. A research-practitioner team explored perspectives on physical activity and risky play through dance. This project aimed to distance itself from the idea of an expert other…

Play-based approaches to science learning allow children to meaningfully draw on their everyday experiences and activities as they explore science concepts in context. Acknowledging the crucial role of the teacher in facilitating science learning through play, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how teacher-guided play, in…

Anthropologists have found evidence of storytelling throughout history, from orators in hunter gatherer tribes to modern writers and actors. To actualize a story--that is, to live it out in any way--plays on two of humanity's greatest desires: learning and having fun. People are biologically wired for survival, which implies that we are…

The purpose of this research is to explore how older adults learn through play, which I denote as elder play. There is little research on how adults learn through play. This preliminary research uses grounded theory to analyze how six older motorcyclists learn through their play. Six themes emerge that are common to all interviewees: They are…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate limited playfulness. Their difficulty engaging in meaningful interaction with others renders playful engagement in social interactions a challenge. Although little direct evidence exists regarding the promotion of these children's playful engagement, links can be established with many traits…

The author explores how counter-storytelling activities can offer preschool-age children opportunities to consider alternative perspectives and to develop critical and creative thinking skills.

There is rising concern in research and practice to improve early years mathematics education as initial mathematical mastery sets the foundation for future academic success. In response to these concerns, this study used observational data from 20 kindergarten classrooms to understand current pedagogies teachers use for mathematics. In…

This paper describes visitor interaction with an interactive tabletop game on the topic of evolutionary adaptations of social insects that we designed in collaboration with a large American museum. We observed visitors playing the game and talked to them about the experience. The game explores the emergent phenomena of ant behavior. Research has…

This study examined the effect of a physical activity program on student activity during recess and on disruptive classroom behavior. The program was implemented during recess for 5 weeks in a rural elementary school. Prior to and during the program, teachers recorded observations of sedentary students during recess and of disruptive classroom…

Play remains a topic for discussion, debate, and research within the education community. In this article, the authors argue for a broader view of education in line with Plato's observation (gender not withstanding) that "The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life" (Jowett, 1874, p. 249). The authors…

Vocabulary differences early in development are highly predictive of later language learning as well as achievement in school. Early word learning emerges in the context of tightly coupled social interactions between the early learner and a mature partner. In the present study, we develop and apply a novel paradigm--dual head-mounted eye…

While play seems a most natural activity for children, educators must innovate to incorporate "true play" that originates from the interests and direction of children themselves. The Anji Play approach is a model of innovative play-based education in China that is inspiring the world.

Play provides a foundation for human learning because people have an opportunity to experiment through play and learn in a safe environment. Although play is more free-form, expressive, and improvisational, serious play is more structured, rule-bound with a "serious" purpose (Deterding, Dixon, Khaled, & Nacke, 2011). Studies also…

The acquisition of literacy skills is a complex and multi-faceted process that begins long before typical school-based literacy instruction. The present study sought to examine and expand research regarding the independent and interactive contributions of neuropsychological development, movement, play, and music on the development of literacy…

Playful Learning Landscapes seeks to transform everyday spaces into playful learning opportunities to maximize "the other 80 percent" of time that children spend outside school. It lies at the intersection of the growing Child Friendly City movement and a global development agenda that calls for access to high-quality early childhood…