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Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Play-based learning: Why it works, 5 ways to apply it at home
5 playful parenting hacks that science says builds stronger kids (Image: TOI) They say, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" and decades of research supports the same as play is not only essential for children's growth but is also considered one of the most efficient methods of education. Who would have thought that "just playing" might appear to be a luxury for children in today's fast-paced times where screens frequently dominate and academic pressures rise. According to experts, play-based education encourages creativity, problem-solving, social skills and emotional resilience that are necessary for success throughout one's life. Why play-based education is effective Play is the child's natural language and research shows that when kids play, their brains are at their best for learning. The LEGO Foundation and ISSA highlight that 'when kids are playing, their brains are in prime learning mode' thanks to dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical, which reinforces attention, memory and problem-solving abilities. Far from being frivolous, pretend play stimulates cognitive growth by encouraging children to explore different roles, imagine 'what-if' scenarios and develop self-regulation and language skills ( LEGO Foundation and ISSA, 2022 ). Want your children to build executive functions like decision-making and flexibility? A study by Jianzhong Xu and colleagues, which was published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2018, emphasized that play-based learning does exactly that, especially when guided by gentle adult support. Both academic success and emotional well-being depend on these. The research showed that children who engaged in playful learning environments not only performed better academically but also displayed greater motivation and persistence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View) Prefabricated Homes View Deals Undo Unlock your child's potential with these research-backed fun learning tips (Image: TOI) This is because when children engage in play, they are naturally in control of their activities, deciding how to interact with toys, materials or peers and this nurtures critical thinking, creativity and resilience. The study found that just as parents are encouraged to guide their children rather than dictate their homework, play-based learning invites adults to scaffold rather than lead, allowing children to encounter challenges and work through them with encouragement, not pressure. It validated that when children have space to try, struggle and grow, whether through play or learning activities, they develop stronger cognitive and emotional skills. This is why play-based learning is not just 'fun and games', it is a powerful educational approach that builds the foundation for independent, confident learners. Tips to apply play-based learning at home Play-based education does not necessitate expensive toys or prearranged lessons. It is about creating an environment where imagination and curiosity can naturally thrive. 1. Encourage child-led, unstructured play Without strict guidelines or objectives, let your child direct playtime. As per the LEGO Foundation, unstructured play allows children to explore at their own pace and pursue their interests, resulting in greater engagement and creativity. To inspire imaginative scenarios, make play kits with straightforward props like blocks, dress-up clothes and art supplies. 2. Be a passionate sidekick rather than a director According to The Relation between Teachers' and Children's Playfulness: A Pilot Study conducted by Shulamit Pinchover in 2017, it was established that adults' playfulness (where they are being spontaneous, silly and present) directly inspires children to play and be open to exploration. So, join your child in their world with genuine enthusiasm but avoid taking over. Supporting and scaffolding their learning, not directing it, is your responsibility. 2. Integrate learning into everyday activities Simple daily tasks like cooking or gardening can be transformative learning experiences. For example, measuring ingredients while baking introduces math concepts like fractions and sequencing, all wrapped in fun and meaningful context ( Interactive Environments for Training Children's Curiosity Through Metacognitive Skills: A Pilot Study by Abdelghani, R., Law, E., Desvaux, C., Oudeyer, P.-Y. and Sauzéon, H. in 2024 ). The gap between play and real-world skills is filled by this. 4. Make use of interactive tools to pique interest According to the pilot study conducted by Rania Abdelghani and colleagues in 2024, teaching metacognitive skills to children through animated videos and interactive activities help them ask more intelligent questions and increase their level of curiosity. By asking open-ended questions like, "What do you wonder about today?" at home, you can encourage this or "What would it be if you could invent something?" 5. Balance play with gentle guidance Play-based learning is most effective when children feel safe and supported so, the key is to provide enough structure to encourage their progress without stifling their creativity. This balance helps children build confidence to try new things, take risks and learn from their mistakes. Kids saw more academic growth due to this parenting style (Image credits: Getty Images) Play is learning, not merely a break from it. It shapes children's minds, develops important skills and instils a lifelong passion for discovery. Parents can raise resilient, curious and capable children who are ready to thrive in and out of the classroom by encouraging play-based learning at home. The key is not to force academic drills; rather, it is to create joyful, playful experiences that make learning meaningful and enjoyable. So, the next time you see your child lost in play, keep in mind that they are laying the groundwork for a successful future.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
€2.6 million innovation challenge launches in Southeast Asia to reimagine support for new parents
LONDON, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart, public 'parent pods' located in central community spaces such as markets or parks could soon become a reality around the world as a result of the Good Start Challenge: a €2.6 million global challenge launching today with a call for innovations that improve the wellbeing of parents of young children in underserved communities in Southeast Asia. The Good Start Challenge, which is also launching in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, was initiated by Van Leer Foundation and is supported by FEMSA Foundation, Fundaçāo Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, and LEGO Foundation. It is designed and delivered by global challenge prize expert, Challenge Works. While becoming a parent is a time of joy, it is also a period of significant change and vulnerability, where many need support for their mental, social and physical wellbeing. Despite this, communities across Southeast Asia lack access to effective interventions that champion their wellbeing. Research by Milieu has found that 60% of working mothers across the region struggle to balance their professional and personal commitments, and 31% report difficulties in prioritising their own wellbeing. Similarly, a small study conducted by the Foundation for Mother and Child Health Indonesia found that approximately 35% of pregnant and nursing mothers surveyed in Indonesia exhibited symptoms of depression or anxiety. Just 6% of breastfeeding mothers were found to have stable mental health, and many stated that they had little to no time to rest or care for their emotional wellbeing. Rushda Majeed, Chief Programme Officer at Van Leer Foundation, said: "When a child is born, a parent is also born. We know that a good start for children shapes the rest of their lives. This challenge is asking society to think about a good start for parents. At Van Leer we believe it's critical to listen to their voices, and work together to shape a powerful and purposeful evolution in the way in which parents and other caregivers are supported. Advancing a global conversation about the importance of parental wellbeing will have a clear, transformative knock-on effect, as healthy and happy parents lay the foundations for their children to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to society." While initiatives for supporting parental wellbeing have started to emerge across the globe, more are needed. According to WHO, just a quarter (26%) of governments rate their funding of parent support programmes as sufficient to reach all those in need, despite there being an estimated 500 million parents of children under the age of five worldwide. Growing evidence also indicates that new parents experience vast biological and neurological changes, which, combined with increasing pressures such as work and childcare commitments, present challenges – especially for those already living in vulnerable circumstances. The Good Start Challenge is therefore a call for simple yet radical ideas that support the wellbeing of parents and caregivers faced with pre-existing obstacles that make it even harder to access resources. Investing in these ideas will not only bolster parent wellbeing, but society as a whole. Innovations such as 'parent pods' would offer welcoming spaces for new parents to take a moment while accessing amenities and forming connections with other local parents, as well as tapping into an AI-powered network of local support services such as counselling and other benefits. This is one example of a creative solution that could act as a lifeline for parents, enabling them to feel welcomed by society rather than just having to fit in. Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities and Societies, Challenge Works, said: "This challenge is about accelerating innovation to reimagine how we can care for parents – something that has been overlooked in the past. This need is particularly acute in underserved communities. Given that parents come into contact with so many services and individuals on a daily basis, this challenge invites creative and impactful solutions from any sector. "Society is on the brink of a vital and meaningful shift in how we understand, support and prioritise parents, and this challenge will identify innovations that can put this into practice." With specific focus on nine countries in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, the challenge is designed to address common difficulties experienced by parents in those communities. In November 2025, up to 22 finalists will be chosen and awarded €50,000 each, alongside support for scaling. In July 2026, up to six winners will each be awarded €200,000. To find out more about the Good Start Challenge, please visit the website. Applications close on 17 September 2025. View original content: SOURCE Challenge Works Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
€2.6 million innovation challenge launches in Sub-Saharan Africa to reimagine support for new parents
LONDON, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart, public 'parent pods' located in central community spaces such as markets or parks could soon become a reality around the world as a result of the Good Start Challenge: a €2.6 million global challenge launching today with a call for innovations that improve the wellbeing of parents of young children in underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Good Start Challenge, which is also launching in Southeast Asia and Latin America, was initiated by Van Leer Foundation and is supported by FEMSA Foundation, Fundaçāo Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, and LEGO Foundation. It is designed and delivered by global challenge prize expert, Challenge Works. While becoming a parent is a time of joy, it is also a period of significant change and vulnerability, where many need support for their mental, social and physical wellbeing. Despite this, communities across Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to effective interventions that champion their wellbeing. Research has found that in Uganda 28% of parents experience depression due to limited social support – among other factors. Tarek Alami, VP – Head of International Programmes, the LEGO Foundation, said: "Parental wellbeing in Sub-Saharan Africa is deeply affected by economic hardship, conflict and displacement. Investing in playful, creative and socially engaging support systems is essential—not only to support parents in coping with stress and trauma, but also to provide children with the opportunity to thrive and develop towards realising their full potential and contributing to the transformation of society." While initiatives for supporting parental wellbeing have started to emerge across the globe, more are needed. According to WHO, just a quarter (26%) of governments rate their funding of parent support programmes as sufficient to reach all those in need, despite there being an estimated 500 million parents of children under the age of five worldwide. Growing evidence also indicates that new parents experience vast biological and neurological changes, which, combined with increasing pressures such as work and childcare commitments, present challenges – especially for those already living in vulnerable circumstances. The Good Start Challenge is therefore a call for simple yet radical ideas that support the wellbeing of parents and caregivers faced with pre-existing obstacles that make it even harder to access resources. Investing in these ideas will not only bolster parent wellbeing, but society as a whole. Rushda Majeed, Chief Programme Officer at Van Leer Foundation, said: "When a child is born, a parent is also born. We know that a good start for children shapes the rest of their lives. This challenge is asking society to think about a good start for parents. At Van Leer we believe it's critical to listen to their voices, and work together to shape a powerful and purposeful evolution in the way in which parents and other caregivers are supported. Advancing a global conversation about the importance of parental wellbeing will have a clear, transformative knock-on effect, as healthy and happy parents lay the foundations for their children to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to society." Innovations such as 'parent pods' would offer welcoming spaces for new parents to take a moment while accessing amenities and forming connections with other local parents, as well as tapping into an AI-powered network of local support services such as counselling and other benefits. This is one example of a creative solution that could act as a lifeline for parents, enabling them to feel welcomed by society rather than just having to fit in. Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities and Societies, Challenge Works, said: "This challenge is about accelerating innovation to reimagine how we can care for parents – something that has been overlooked in the past. This need is particularly acute in underserved communities. Given that parents come into contact with so many services and individuals on a daily basis, this challenge invites creative and impactful solutions from any sector. "Society is on the brink of a vital and meaningful shift in how we understand, support and prioritise parents, and this challenge will identify innovations that can put this into practice." With specific focus on nine countries in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, the challenge is designed to address common difficulties experienced by parents in those communities. In November 2025, up to 22 finalists will be chosen and awarded €50,000 each, alongside support for scaling. In July 2026, up to six winners will each be awarded €200,000. To find out more about the Good Start Challenge, please visit the website. Applications close on 17 September 2025. View original content: SOURCE Challenge Works Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
