About Navigation Play:
Navigation Play believes that everyone needs to play, and strives to provide opportunities for just that! We organize child-led play experiences, family events, kids camps, and more. We believe that play brings people together and is a necessary component of childhood. We want to work with the community to make play a priority. Because play is essential!
Located in Williamsburg, IA, the programming for Navigation Play is based on the principles of Playwork, as well as Molly's own experiences and areas of interest. The main goals of Navigation Play are:
1) To provide opportunities for child-led play
2) To bring people together through play
Our programs are for EVERYONE and we strive to make a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to be involved! We can't wait to meet you!
Located in Williamsburg, IA, the programming for Navigation Play is based on the principles of Playwork, as well as Molly's own experiences and areas of interest. The main goals of Navigation Play are:
1) To provide opportunities for child-led play
2) To bring people together through play
Our programs are for EVERYONE and we strive to make a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to be involved! We can't wait to meet you!
What is child-led play?
Think back to your own childhood and the ways you remember playing: climbing trees, tinkering, or creating whole imaginary worlds. Child-led play is simply what kids do without adult intervention. It's not structured by adults, and it's free from adult expectations. The kids make the decisions. They choose what to do with the pieces provided. They make (or change) the rules of the games they play. They are allowed to take risks and make mistakes. Loose parts are items that become open-ended "toys" or building pieces for kids (boxes, fabric, PVC pipe, string, tires, plus pebbles and sticks from nature). I sometimes use the term "Adventure Play" in reference to Adventure Playgrounds, which are spaces that belong to children's play. The children design these "playgrounds" with the loose parts they are given, and it is a space completely their own.
What is Playwork?
Playwork is a field dedicated to play - specifically, supporting children in their own child-led play. This field was born in the UK on adventure playgrounds, but the principles are used around the world!
A playworker's job is to remove barriers to play and help support children in their play - without controlling it. There are many benefits to play, of course, but it is also a child's right! A playworker's first job is to create an environment well-suited for many types of play. As the children play, we may simply observe: weighing risks and benefits of what is going on, seeing what other loose parts may help extend the play tomorrow, and figuring out how to support a child who may be struggling. A playworker may also jump into the play when invited, playing the role of the "bad guy," or helping support a child in joining the play. They do all of this without breaking the "bubble" of the children's play. Everything a playworker does is in support of the children and their play, not adult motives.
Playwork as a field of study hasn't officially made its way to the US, but the playworkers at Pop-Up Adventure Play have created an online training for people anywhere in the world! This is how I studied Playwork!
Playwork as a field of study hasn't officially made its way to the US, but the playworkers at Pop-Up Adventure Play have created an online training for people anywhere in the world! This is how I studied Playwork!
Why is play important?
The benefits of children's play are truly endless! Most notably, we are learning how important things like risky play and outdoor play are to our children's school readiness, physical development, mental health, and resilience! There are tons of great articles out there, but I will summarize some of the basics for you here!
Play wasn't generally studied in the past, because it was such an assumed part of childhood. Only now, when our children are over-scheduled, always supervised, and often on screens, are we realizing how much play makes a difference in their well-being! That's why I'm doing what I'm doing: because play is essential!
- When children play with a group, they learn important social skills. When allowed to play without adult intervention, they work through issues like having differing opinions, or what to do when someone isn't following the "rules." Even just figuring out how to enter a game already in progress is a huge learning experience!
- When children play, they run into issues, problem-solve, and learn to keep trying. Play is motivating and helps them learn resilience and grit. Maybe most importantly, they are allowed to make mistakes without judgement or pressure.
- Running, climbing, and jumping help children learn motor skills, of course, but they also help the brain prepare for important learning! Putting weight on hands, squishing mud, and feeling different textures prepares for writing and other fine-motor tasks. Tasks like climbing and crawling even help connect the hemispheres of the brain!
- When kids are able to experience things that are a bit risky, they learn that they can do hard things! They learn how far to push themselves, and when to stop. Climbing and jumping teaches them to trust their body, and how their body interacts with their environment.
- When children play, they work through their worries and fears. They process new experiences, and they are able to "try" different responses and roles in a safe environment. Play is also relaxing and lets kids simply let loose! We all know how important that can be!
Play wasn't generally studied in the past, because it was such an assumed part of childhood. Only now, when our children are over-scheduled, always supervised, and often on screens, are we realizing how much play makes a difference in their well-being! That's why I'm doing what I'm doing: because play is essential!