News & Articles
Celebrating the essential role of play in children’s lives
To mark the first International Day of Play, we asked children in Brussels about their thoughts on play. Their responses remind us of the profound impact play has on their happiness and development. Play is essential to a child’s well-being and development. With enough playtime, children are more likely to grow into healthy, happy, and…
Read MoreCelebrating the First International Day of Play
Tomorrow is a landmark day for play. It is the first-ever International Day of Play adopted by the United Nations. This occasion is a significant milestone in the recognition of this fundamental right for every child. Play is a cornerstone of childhood that helps kids build strength, confidence and important life skills. Play empowers children…
Read MoreTowards a hybrid future for play: integrating digital and physical experiences
Children are growing up surrounded by technology from an early age. Smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles offer captivating experiences that can entertain, educate, and connect. In today’s digital age, where screens and algorithms compete for attention, the role of toys and play experiences may seem uncertain. At a recent TIE Playmakers’ Conversation on the future…
Read MoreToy Industries of Europe celebrates UN’s adoption of International Day of Play
Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) celebrates the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to designate June 11 as the International Day of Play. As longtime advocates for the value of play, we are thrilled to witness its formal recognition by more than 140 countries. “Play is not just a pastime; play is crucial for children’s growth…
Read MoreHarvard researchers release book on playful learning in schools
Why do educators need a pedagogy of play? What does playful learning look and feel like in classrooms and schools? How do educators set up the conditions where playful learning thrives? These are the questions the newly released book, “A Pedagogy of Play: Supporting Playful Learning in Classrooms and Schools” written by researchers at the…
Read MoreAnnouncing #PlayShapes 2022
Ahead of World Children’s Day on November 20, we asked the question “how has play shaped you?” to nine people from the NGO, EU policy and toy industry world. Their answers were insightful and immensely cheering! Check out our Twitter feed and LinkedIn to see what they said. Play is not a luxury. Like food…
Read MorePre-school play with friends lowers risk of mental health problems later
Children who learn to play well with others at pre-school age tend to enjoy better mental health as they get older, new research shows. The findings provide the first clear evidence that ‘peer play ability’, the capacity to play successfully with other children, has a protective effect on mental health Researchers at the University of…
Read MoreFive toys that were an antidote to COVID anxiety
Dr. Amanda Gummer, Founder & CEO of FUNdamentally Children and Dr Gummers Good Play Guide. Amanda has a PhD in Neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Home of the Good Toy Guide, Good App Guide, Good Learning Guide and Good Baby Guide, Dr Gummer’s…
Read MoreThe benefits of doll play according to neuroscience
Barbie® and neuroscientists from Cardiff University have collaborated on a new study which for the first time uses neuroimaging as evidence to explore the effects of doll play. Barbie®, and a team of neuroscientists from Cardiff University, announces findings of a new study conducted using neuroscience for the first time to explore the positive impact doll play has on children,…
Read MoreHow did play shape you? – Celebrating World Children’s Day
This week we have been celebrating World Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We wanted to show the many ways in which play shapes children into the adults they become by asking EU stakeholders the question: How did play shape you? The variety of responses…
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