The missing ingredient in how we learn
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Before the last few centuries, children around the world spent most of their time learning through play: observing and mimicking adults, roaming their surroundings, and sharing what they learned with friends and family. Many communities and educators still believe play is one of the best teachers we have. Explore the benefits and challenges of using self-directed play-based learning in schools.
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Additional Resources for you to Explore
Friedrich Froebel was a German educator and kindergarten founder. The name "kindergarten" was intended to convey the idea of children growing as plants in a garden, freely and through play. For even earlier examples of early childhood education in ancient civilizations, read on here.
For more on play-based and student -led educational environments in use today, check out Montessori and Reggio Emilia.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Script Writer
- Iseult Gillespie
- Director
- Vicente Numpaque, Dr3i Studio
- Narrator
- Jack Cutmore-Scott
- Composer
- Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
- Sound Designer
- Anthony Nguyen, cAMP Studio
