TRACK 6: Play and Playwork 1. Curated by Meynell
Room 6
22
Involving Children in the planning of play spaces
How to effectively consult children about changes to their play spaces in accordance with Playwork Principle 5 and without interrupting their play
1.25 hours Intermediate 10:00-11:15
23
Play – the middle way:
Essential for development, surplus energy, or something in between?
In this session, he will give a presentation on the research on children’s play, from evolutionary, psychological and anthropological perspectives. He will argue that in modern urban societies, adult play involvement is a common form of ‘parental investment’, and the ‘play ethos’ has been widespread.
Neither the evolutionary evidence, the anthropological evidence, nor the psychological evidence, provides a compelling case that play is ‘essential’.
But play is fun, and play is one way for children to learn lots of things. For young children it is a natural, enjoyable way, and often as effective as more structured activities. We can defend and value play, without having to accept the ‘play ethos’.
1.5 hours Intermediate / advanced 11:30-13:00
24
Interdisciplinary approaches to play
Through presentation, discussion, and exploration this participative session explores how play is viewed by some [though not all] of the disciplines that have studied it. All this leads to a consideration of the impact of ‘play theory’ on the day to day work of a playworker.
2 hours Intermediate 13:30-15:30
25
Anarchy & chaos in the playground
This session is aimed at an introductory level and will comprise of an initial presentation followed by group discussion. We will explore ideas around order and disorder in relation to playgrounds and play settings.
The workshop will provide an introduction to a number of theoretical ideas on anarchy and chaos (very different things) in relation to play and playgrounds. We will then go on to explore their practical application in the play setting including the benefits and challenges involved. The implications of using these ideas to inform playwork will be discussed. Their potential to support playwork practice has been established, so why haven't they become widespread? Come along to this workshop and find out the answer!
1.25 hours beginner 15:45-17:00
Organised by
in a better enviroment
