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 classes, 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!
Located in Williamsburg, IA, the goals and programming for Navigation Play are based on the principles of Playwork, as well as Molly's own experiences and areas of interest. 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 goals and programming for Navigation Play are based on the principles of Playwork, as well as Molly's own experiences and areas of interest. 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 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. They believe there are many benefits to play, of course, but also believe in supporting it simply because it is 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, they 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 a role that is offered to them 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.
Somehow, this amazing field hasn't officially made its way to the US for study, but some amazing playworkers (thank you Pop-Up Adventure Play!) have started an online training for people anywhere in the world! So, I've been diving head-first into the world of Playwork and loving every minute! I can't wait to share these skills with kids in our area!
Somehow, this amazing field hasn't officially made its way to the US for study, but some amazing playworkers (thank you Pop-Up Adventure Play!) have started an online training for people anywhere in the world! So, I've been diving head-first into the world of Playwork and loving every minute! I can't wait to share these skills with kids in our area!
What is child-led play?
This type of play goes by many names in the adult world. Child-led play, open-ended play, unstructured play, and "adventure play" all refer to the same idea. In Playwork, play is often described as being: 1) freely chosen 2) personally directed and 3) intrinsically motivated. 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). 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.
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!
Let's start with the more obvious benefits: 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." When children play, they run into issues, problem-solve, and learn to keep trying. 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. When kids are able to experience things that are a bit risky, they learn that they can do hard things! Climbing and jumping teaches them to trust their body, and how their body interacts with their environment. And here are some other things we may not realize as adults: 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 wasn't 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 here doing what I'm doing: Let's make play a priority!
Let's start with the more obvious benefits: 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." When children play, they run into issues, problem-solve, and learn to keep trying. 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. When kids are able to experience things that are a bit risky, they learn that they can do hard things! Climbing and jumping teaches them to trust their body, and how their body interacts with their environment. And here are some other things we may not realize as adults: 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 wasn't 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 here doing what I'm doing: Let's make play a priority!
Resources
The Playwork Primer
Pop-Up Adenture Play - A list of resources from the Playworkers who provide training opportunities around the world!
"The Land" Documentary about an Adventure Playground (below):
Pop-Up Adenture Play - A list of resources from the Playworkers who provide training opportunities around the world!
"The Land" Documentary about an Adventure Playground (below):