Here is a thought test. Imagine a world without testing for primary school children. Would they still be able to thrive? Would they still develop social skills, resilience or strong and healthy bodies? Would they still be driven by their innate curiosity to find out about the world around them and their part in it? Now imagine a world where children were deprived of play and ask the same questions.
Why is it that a world without testing for primary school children seems impossible, but a childhood without play is already a reality?
In my work as a play consultant to primary schools I am often asked if there is evidence that better play in schools will improve the school’s test results. The question should be, will the obsession with test results and the exclusion of play improve the child’s life?
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