Episode 14 | Physical Play with Ben Kingston-Hughes
Jul 18, 2024
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Ben Kingston-Hughes, an expert in children's physical development, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg to explore the crucial role of physical play. They discuss how outdoor play fosters independence and resilience while enhancing mental health. Key skills like spatial awareness and social interactions emerge through play, making learning enjoyable and effective. The conversation encourages practitioners to embrace a progressive approach to education, focusing on children's comfort and emotional connection to foster curiosity.
Outdoor physical play fosters independence, safe risk-taking, and promotes mental health benefits that extend into adulthood.
Children develop crucial skills like spatial awareness and social interaction through enjoyable physical play experiences that enhance learning outcomes.
Deep dives
The Significance of Physical Play
Physical play is crucial for children's development, providing them with opportunities for joy and movement rather than competition. Engaging in activities like running and climbing outdoors helps children build essential physical skills while enhancing their overall well-being. When adults actively participate in play, children are more likely to join in and develop positive associations with physical activity. This involvement is particularly important for kids who lack role models in sports, allowing them to see that enjoyment and participation are paramount, regardless of athletic ability.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play contributes to children's developmental growth by promoting independence and risk-taking in a safe environment. Research shows that children are more likely to engage in louder, more physical play outdoors, which fosters a sense of adventure and encourages them to manage risks. As they tackle challenges like climbing trees or jumping from heights, children develop resilience and a better understanding of their capabilities, which can bolster their mental health in later life. Furthermore, outdoor play leads to a decrease in antisocial behavior, as children can express themselves freely in natural settings.
Redesigning Indoor Spaces for Active Play
Indoor environments often inhibit children's natural behaviors, leading to increased restlessness and behavioral issues. Many indoor settings are designed with expectations of compliance that clash with children's need for movement and exploration. Redesigning these spaces to accommodate physical activity can significantly enhance engagement, facilitating an atmosphere where children feel comfortable and eager to learn. Evidence suggests that enjoyable experiences directly correlate with better learning outcomes, emphasizing the need for dynamic learning environments that reflect children's developmental needs.
Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Ben Kingston-Hughes to explore the essential role of physical play in children’s development. Outdoor play is highlighted for its unique benefits, including fostering independence and allowing for safe risk-taking. Additionally, they discuss how physical play can actually benefit children’s mental health into adulthood.
Alistair and Ben delve further into the crucial skills children develop through physical play, such as spatial awareness and improved social interactions. They emphasise that when children enjoy the experience of learning through play, they are more likely to absorb and retain information. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for practitioners on encouraging physical play.
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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
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