Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Play and learning is seen as being at odds with each other in our society. In school there is play/recess time and then there was be-quiet-and-sit-in-your-seats learning time. Since the 1950's there has been a decline in play for kids at school and at home and one might think that this is a good thing. Dr. Peter Gray sees it a different way. In his book Free to Learn he talks about the conditions in which kids need to learn and this one is my favorite: unlimited time to play and explore. He talks about his own experience taking his son out of the traditional schooling system and a concept called self-directed education. After watching his Tedx talk and reading Free to Learn I knew I had to have Dr. Gray on to to talk more about play and learning.

We talk about:

• The conditions kids need in order to learn best

• Why self- directed learning is the best way that kids learn

• Why screens and devices should NOT be looked upon negatively or taken away from kids

• The consequences of a society where play continues to be on the decline

• Why it's important to always do what you love

Mentioned in this episode and resources from today's episode

• Free to Learn by Peter Gray

• Peter's blog on Psychology Today

• Sudbury School overview 

• ARTICLE: Pat-Med Debuts Before School Play Program 

• ARTICLE:  Long Island School District Considers No-Homework Policy For Elementary School Kids

• Michael Hynes' Tedx Talk: Why PEAS are the Key to a Successful Education

• Peter's Tedx Talk: The Decline of Play

Where to listen:

• iTunes (I would love you forever if you left a rating and a review!)

• Spotify

• YouTube