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Words on Play™

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Advocacy & Impact Tools

Words on Play™

Green Schoolyards Inclusion Nature Play

Play is the foundation for learning, it is critical for healthy physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Deeply committed to promoting the value of play, PlayCore is proud to bring together some of the world's most respected play scholars- our friends, mentors and inspirational partners-to share their thoughts, the research-based evidence, and their collective, inspirational "words on play" that empower us all to advocate for the many critical benefits of play.

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A mother lifting her daughter above her in the air as the mother lies down in the grass >
A baby smiling at its parent as the parent pushes the child in a green children's swing >
Playground with a large caterpillar sculpture that a child is standing on top of. The playground also contains people, flowers, and greenery nearby. >

The Science

Play is the foundation for learning, it is critical for healthy physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development, throughout our lives. Often we hear "Play is the work of a child." Indeed, research shows that children are at their highest level of development when at play. Play is dynamic, active - an integral part of children's growth and development, allowing children to discover their full potential while providing enjoyment and emotional fulfillment. Children learn about the world around them through self-created experiences where they are free to express their creativity, individuality, and imagine new worlds.

A group of kids playing in a pool by kicking the water with their feet >
A young girl in a striped dress holding green and pink balloons in a field beside a body of water >

Why Request Words on Play

Deeply committed to promoting the value of play, PlayCore is proud to bring together some of the world's most respected play scholars - our friends, mentors, and inspirational partners-to share their thoughts, the research-based evidence, and their collective, inspirational "words on play" to empower us all to advocate for the many critical benefits of play. Each of their contributions highlights the value of play through the lens of their particular academic discipline, creating a rich resource that offers citable material to use in advocacy, grant applications, and play education.

Contributing Scholars

Our Scholar Network
Dr

Stuart Brown, MD

Founder, National Institute for Play
Kburriss

Kathleen G. Burriss, EdD

Middle Tennessee State University Professor Emeritus; Department of Elementary and Special Education
Christensenkeith

Keith Christensen, PhD

Utah State University Professor; Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Nilda cosco

Nilda Cosco, PhD

North Carolina State University Research Professor and Director of Programs; Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and Nature Learning Institute
Robinmoore cmyk

Robin Moore, Dipl Arch, MCP, ASLA

North Carolina State University Professor Emeritus; College of Design
Dr michael suk

Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, FACS

Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System Danville, PA
Photo 846

John Sutterby, PhD

University of Texas San Antonio Associate Professor; Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching

Program Request

Fill out the form below to request your copy of Words on Play™