War, weapon, and super-hero play – Do we do that here? (online interactive)

War, weapon, and super-hero play - Do we do that here?

Does your centre have a policy that says No to war, weapon, and super-hero play? If not, is there an unwritten rule about whether it’s allowed or not? If we are saying ‘No’, what are we trying to prevent? Do all staff members agree and enforce the same practice? Does it feel like “Whack-a-mole” trying to prevent this kind of play – no matter how many times you say ‘No’, it keeps happening? What harm might we be causing with our unending ‘No’?

This session will summarize a variety of research and provide examples to foster discussion on this challenging topic. Bring examples of current play struggles and be prepared to challenge your assumptions and practice.

Session Overview

• Introductions & expectations
• Examples of play situations that we currently prevent (or try to)
• What are we trying to avoid by preventing this kind of play?
• Play theory – stages of development & what need this kind of play meets (for some kids)
• Current Research Summary – handout of articles & books
• Playwork Principles & Definition of play – what if it’s play that makes us uncomfortable?
• Results of P. Holland action research / Bob Hughes – we get sick if we can’t play!
• How the previous Examples might work out differently if we let it happen
• What if? Giving ourselves permission to engage in our own action research
• Review & conclusions

Presenter: Tanya Moxley is an ambassador for the importance of unstructured loose parts play for children’s successful growth & development. In 2017 Tanya created T K Adventure Play to take outdoor loose parts to places where kids play. Since then she has been active as a "play ranger" throughout HRM providing loose parts adventure play sessions for child care centres, day camps, birthday parties and after-school programs, as well as offering professional development for educators and recreation staff, and support to parents in letting their children take on more risk. Tanya completed the Playworker Development Course in 2018, through Pop-up Adventure Play in the UK.