Useful links
- The University of Sheffield
Professor Jackie Marsh from the University of Sheffield is interested in young children’s digital literacy practices in homes, communities and early years settings. She has explored changes in children’s play due to developments in media, technology and commercial cultures. Further information is available here. - PEDAL
Pedal is located in the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education, and was launched in October 2015 with funding from the LEGO Foundation. Its mission is to conduct academic research into the role of play in young children’s education, development and learning to inform wider practice and policy. Further information is available here.
In 2012, Dr David Whitebread, from the University of Cambridge, carried out a literature review on behalf of TIE about the value of children’s play, including a series of policy recommendations. The full report can be downloaded through this link. - The Observatory of Children´s Play (OJI)
The OJI is a group of international experts from different Spanish Universities who monitor, examine and supervise the recognition of all children’s right to play. Further information about the observatory is available here. - Utrecht University
In 2012, TIE commissioned Proffessor Jeffrey Goldstein, Ph.D. in the Utrecht University, to carry out a literature review on the role of play in children’s development health and well-being. The report can be downloaded here.
- Eurochild
Eurochild is a network of organisations and individuals working in and across Europe to promote the rights and well-being of children and young people. More information about Eurochild is available on its website here. - United Nations Children’s Fund
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations (UN) programme that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. More information about UNICEF is available on its website here. - COFACE Families Europe
COFACE is a pluralistic network of civil society associations representing the interests of all families. More information about COFACE is available on its website. - The European Parents Association (EPA) gathers the parent’s associations in Europe which together represent more than 150 million parents. EPA works in partnership both to represent and give to parents a powerful voice in the development of education policies and decisions at European level. More information about EPA is available on its website.
- “Make Time to Play”
In 2010, the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) launched its ‘Make Time to Play’ campaign in association with Play England, a national charity that campaigns for children to have more opportunities to play throughout childhood. This campaign, which promotes the essential benefits of play for child development, is aimed at parents and encourages them to allow their children more time to play.
Maketime2play facebook page, app and website are updated regularly with play activities for kids that encourage imaginative and exploratory play
Further information is available on the “Make Time to Play” website. - “Dale Tiempo al Juego”
The Spanish toy association, La Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Juguetes (AEFJ), launched a “Make time to play” campaign in 2011. The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness in families about the importance of play in children’s education and development.
AEFJ also created an Observatory of Children´s Play, a group of international experts, with the aim of monitoring, examining and supervising the application of the right to play.
AEFJ has also produced numerous short (15 minutes) TV reports about making time to play. These are aired on Spanish public TV and explain the benefits of playing, toys and games. This campaign also promotes the use of toys as tools to improve learning and development and encourages parents to make time to play with their children.
Further information is available on the “Dale tiempo al juego” website. - Spielen Macth Schule
In an effort to make learning easy for schoolchildren, the Transferzentrum für Neurowissenschaften und Lernen in Ulm (ZNL) (Transfer Centre for Brain Science and Learning) and the organisaiton Mehr Zeit für Kinder (More Time for Children) created “Spielen macht Schule” (“Play makes school”) in 2007. This campaign is sponsored by the German toy association, Deutscher Verband der Spielwaren Industrie (DVSI).
The intention is to sensibly integrate playing into lessons and offer the possibility for playful learning outside school hours. The campaign is based on the idea that playing offers the perfect learning conditions.
Primary schools can enter a competition to win the free equipping of a playroom in their school. To do this, they must submit an original concept for a playroom. Only toys that have a high pedagogical value suitable for primary school children and that encourage children’s development and contribute to their successful learning are used in the playrooms.
Further information is available on the “Spielen macht Schule” website. - Jouer C’est la Vie
The French toy association, the Fédération Française des Industries Jouet-Puériculture (FJP) joined forces with two other French organisations in 2009 to launch the ‘Jouer, c’est la Vie!’ campaign, which aims to promote the value of play.
The French Ministry of Education and the French toy association introduced ‘espaces ludiques’ (play spaces) in schools in 2010. The aim of this project ‘Espaces ludiques en milieu scolaire’ is to provide specific areas in schools that are available to pupils outside school time and that can be used for playful activities. This project has contributed to reduced school violence and has helped struggling pupils to gain confidence and become more cooperative. Further information is available on the ‘Jouer, c’est la Vie!’ website.
- “Learning through Play”
Founded in 1986, the LEGO Foundation aims to build a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, life-long learners.
The LEGO Foundation brings together voices across the wider community of passionate advocates and partners promoting learning through play in children’s lives.
For more information about the LEGO Foundation visit its website. - “More Play Today”
The Centre on Media and Child Health is a non-profit organisation based at Boston Children’s Hospital. Sponsored by Hasbro, the centre compiles the latest research, facts and practical advice from leading experts to create the best play experiences.
For more information, visit their website. - “Time to Play, Place to Play, Tools to Play and an Advocate for Play”
Mattel believes that play is fundamental to learning and development at all ages and that all children have a right to the time, place, tools and an advocate for play in their lives.
Mattel knows not all children have access to play. That’s why its social impact activities are focused on breaking down the barriers to play by leveraging the collective power of its global resources. Through funding, Mattel’s dedicated employee volunteers, toy donations, cause marketing campaigns and community partners, Mattel is committed to dedicating 2 percent of its pre-tax profit to making a difference in the lives of children in need. For more information about how Mattel advocates for all children’s right to play visit its website.
- The International Play Association (IPA) is an international, non-governmental organization founded in Scandinavia in 1961.
Its purpose is to protect, preserve and promote children’s right to play as a fundamental human right, according to the Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. For more information about IPA check their website. - Right to Play is an international organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth affected by conflict, disease and poverty. Established in 2000, the Organization pioneered a unique play-based approach to learning and development which focuses on quality education, life skills, health, gender equality, child protection and building peaceful communities. It operates in over 20 countries, advocating for children’s rights and play. For more information about Right to Play International check their website.
- Play Wales is an independent charity funded by the Welsh Government working to raise awareness of children and young people’s need and right to play and to promote good practice at every level of decision making and, in every place, where children might play. Play Wales provides advice and guidance to support all those who have an interest in, or responsibility for providing for children’s play so that one day Wales will be a place where we recognise and provide well for every child’s play needs. For more information about Play Wales check their website.
- Play Scotland works to promote the importance of play for all children and young people, and campaigns to create increased play opportunities in the community.
For more information about Play Scotland check their website.