Peter Gray: The Psychology of Play

This week we have Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist who studies the important of play in childhood. His book Free to Learn covers the importance of play as a form of education in

Expect to learn why childhood play was an area of interest in his research, Peter’s experience raising a son who was rebellious to the traditional education system, and his thoughts on Sudbury Schools, Unschooling, and other alternative education models. You’ll also hear Peter’s take on video games and using play in the digital world.

This episode is sponsored by John Galt Mortgage Company

https://www.johngaltmortgage.com

Chapters:

0:00 - Peter Gray

3:30 - What is a Developmental Psychologist

5:31 - How Did Peter Become a Scientist of Play?

26:23 - What is the Definition of Play?

32:15 - How Much of Play is Environmentally and Socially Influenced

36:15 - Sponsor: John Galt Mortgage Company

37:15 - What is Happening When Children “Play Act”

39:15 - Are the Ways Children Play Indicative of Future Interests and Careers?

45:44 - Long Term Benefits of a Childhood Full of Play

51:04 - The Effects of a Decline in Play

1:01:09 - Peter’s Thoughts on Certain Alternative Schooling Models

1:08:54 - Peter’s Thoughts on Video Games and Digital Play

1:23:57 - What is the Transition of Play to Adulthood?

1:29:00 - What Kills a Child’s Interest to Play

1:36:18 - How to Connect with Peter

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Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Gardener and the Carpenter - Alison Gopnik

Connect with Peter Gray:

Book: Free to Learn

Substack: https://petergray.substack.com

Psychology Today Blog:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn

Website: http://petergray.org

Connect with Hannah Frankman:

Twitter | https://twitter.com/HannahFrankman

RebelEducator | https://twitter.com/rebelEducator

Website | http://hannahfrankman.com

Follow along for conversations on education, lifestyle, personal development, and freedom. All in ardent pursuit of a life well lived.