ELF Blog
Old Fashion Play Builds Serious Skills
Listen to this informative 8 minute broadcast from NPR's Morning Edition that features interviews with researchers who have been studying play and it role in developing cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, the ability to pay attention, self control and discipline. Each of these contributes to success in school and life, however Elena Bodrova a researcher at the National Institute for Early Education Research found in a 2001 replication of a 1940's study, that today's children demonstrate lower levels of these abilities. 5 year olds exhibit self-regulation at the level of 3 year olds and 7 year olds are barely approaching the level of 5 year olds. It's through make believe and self-directed and imaginary play that many of these these skills are developed. In addition to the broadcast and a transcript, there are suggestions for children's play activities provided. www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514&sc=nl&cc=es-20080224&sc=emaf&sc=emaf