Learning Through Play: Is Free or Guided Play Better? 

Play has so much to teach us, children and parents alike. Sometimes parents can get a little too involved in their child’s play, particularly with the extra cool toys. When does our guidance become interference? And what amount of direction is appropriate?

Dave Neale joins Jessica Rolph to help us strike the right balance. Dave is a researcher in the psychology of play at the Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning at the University of Cambridge.

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Dave explains the ‘sweet spot’ when a parent can provide support while not being too involved in the child’s play.

[3:20] Playing and its link with structured learning.

[5:30] How to find the balance between helping children achieve the goal of a game or letting them just explore the materials.

[8:18] Play with your children, engagement and becoming an entertained play partner are the most important factors.

[9:23] The effects of a parent who is not sufficiently involved.

[12:23] What is Dave’s favorite activity to do with 0-12 months old babies?

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Learn more about Dave Neale

Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development & Learning (PEDAL)