midst the complexities of modern society, marked by rapid technological advances and diminishing social cohesion, the need to nurture individual and community wellbeing has never been more important.
As the son of an early childhood specialist, from an early age I have understood, and benefited from, the transformative power of play. So I find resonance in the recent UK campaign for a “revolution” centered around a “plan for play” which proposes a strategic integration of play into the curriculum, highlighting its essential role in child development. This movement calls for play to be recognized and inspected by Ofsted, ensuring that it becomes a foundational pillar within the education system, moving beyond the early years to benefit children of all ages.
The push for such a systemic embrace of play is a response to mounting concerns over a crisis in child mental and physical health, and it is a global crisis. Advocates have highlighted the urgent need to broaden our educational scope to include wellbeing as a core component. This approach aligns with evidence indicating that reduced playtime, exacerbated by an overwhelming curriculum focus, has led to a reduction in children's overall happiness and health.
Addressing this crisis requires dismantling barriers that have historically prioritized academic achievements over holistic development. The challenge lies in transforming education systems to recognize play as not merely an adjunct to learning, but as key to fostering social skills, emotional resilience, and physical health. Such a shift would cultivate environments where children could genuinely thrive, exploring and learning in ways that ignite their creativity and joy.
The need for play extends beyond the school gates. We need dedicated funding for playgrounds and the integration of play into community planning. building a wider societal recognition of play's value. This perspective champions the right of children to access safe, engaging spaces for play, supporting their development and wellbeing in the holistic sense.
In conclusion, promoting greater individual and community happiness in today's pressured world partly hinges on our collective willingness to embrace play as a cornerstone of family, school, and community life. By advocating for structured, valued playtime within schools and communities, we pave the way towards a more resilient, contented, and cohesive society. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of our children but also lays the groundwork for a future where wellbeing is cherished and cultivated across all stages of life.
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Embrace the power of play to nurture wellbeing
Photo by Giu Vicente on Unsplash
March 20, 2024
At a time when it is especially important to nurture individual and community wellbeing, embracing the power of play is more important than ever. There is a global crisis in the mental and physical wellbeing of youth, and embracing play can bolster happiness and health, writes Euan Wilmhurst.
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midst the complexities of modern society, marked by rapid technological advances and diminishing social cohesion, the need to nurture individual and community wellbeing has never been more important.
As the son of an early childhood specialist, from an early age I have understood, and benefited from, the transformative power of play. So I find resonance in the recent UK campaign for a “revolution” centered around a “plan for play” which proposes a strategic integration of play into the curriculum, highlighting its essential role in child development. This movement calls for play to be recognized and inspected by Ofsted, ensuring that it becomes a foundational pillar within the education system, moving beyond the early years to benefit children of all ages.
The push for such a systemic embrace of play is a response to mounting concerns over a crisis in child mental and physical health, and it is a global crisis. Advocates have highlighted the urgent need to broaden our educational scope to include wellbeing as a core component. This approach aligns with evidence indicating that reduced playtime, exacerbated by an overwhelming curriculum focus, has led to a reduction in children's overall happiness and health.
Addressing this crisis requires dismantling barriers that have historically prioritized academic achievements over holistic development. The challenge lies in transforming education systems to recognize play as not merely an adjunct to learning, but as key to fostering social skills, emotional resilience, and physical health. Such a shift would cultivate environments where children could genuinely thrive, exploring and learning in ways that ignite their creativity and joy.
The need for play extends beyond the school gates. We need dedicated funding for playgrounds and the integration of play into community planning. building a wider societal recognition of play's value. This perspective champions the right of children to access safe, engaging spaces for play, supporting their development and wellbeing in the holistic sense.
In conclusion, promoting greater individual and community happiness in today's pressured world partly hinges on our collective willingness to embrace play as a cornerstone of family, school, and community life. By advocating for structured, valued playtime within schools and communities, we pave the way towards a more resilient, contented, and cohesive society. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of our children but also lays the groundwork for a future where wellbeing is cherished and cultivated across all stages of life.
