Podcasts about play will make our children happier

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Best podcasts about play will make our children happier

Latest podcast episodes about play will make our children happier

SHINING MIND PODCAST
Episode #192. Free to Learn: How Embracing Play Makes Children Happier, Self-Reliant, and Lifelong Learners. Professor Peter Gray, Boston College

SHINING MIND PODCAST

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 83:56


In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We'll explore how freeing children from rigid educational systems can unlock their potential, foster independence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.Join us as we question the traditional schooling model and discover why trusting children to take charge of their learning could be the key to their happiness and success. Learn about Dr Peter Gray herehttps://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.htmlLearn about Sudbury Valley free to learn school here.https://sudburyvalley.org/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

The Lisa & Cheree Podcast
Parentings Trends Part 2 - Making space for Creativity & Wonder

The Lisa & Cheree Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 38:45


In Part 2 of Parenting Trends, Lisa and Cheree explore the importance of nurturing a child's imagination through reading and play. Discover the essential "work" happening in a child's brain during these activities and why they are crucial for healthy development.Resources from Today's Podcast:Reset your child's brainBalanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable ChildrenFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for LifeHow Children LearnHow to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with NatureHow to teach your child during play: The Three R's by Ruth BeechickCheree's List of Chapter Book Bedtime Read Alouds for Elementary & Middle School age children:-Tales of the Kingdom-Little Pilgrim's Progress-God's Smuggler-George Muller-Prince Warrior series -The Cross and the Switchblade

Pathways to Family Wellness
Free to Play with Peter Gray, PhD

Pathways to Family Wellness

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 49:31


In this episode we have the honor of speaking once again with Peter Gray, PhD about the instinctive drive of children to learn through play and how many of the rules and regulations set to govern children stifle their development.  Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience who for many years has been studying play. Among other things, he is the author of an introductory psychology textbook, now in its 8th edition (with David Bjorklund as co-author of editions 7 & 8), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. He is also author of Free to learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, which has been published in 18 languages. You can learn more about his work, download pdf's of some of his research-based articles, and view some of his public presentations, at his personal website https://www.petergray.org. Current and past editions of the magazine can be found at: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/

phd current instinct free to play peter gray better students more self reliant play will make our children happier
Brave Writer
262. Teaching Through Play

Brave Writer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 70:59


Play isn't a reward for learning, it is the learning. In this episode, we dig into the puritanical reflex to be suspicious of anything fun, and rebuke it with developmental science and lived experience. We give ideas on how to create playful conditions for deep, sustainable learning for your kids and even yourself.We also break down how to evaluate homeschool learning you're already doing: How does it look like play? How are you capitalizing on tools, clothing, kinesthetic energy, excitement, and engagement? Does the skill being honed lead to something the kids actually want to do? If you're feeling stuck and bored with your homeschooling, or if your kids are feeling that way, this is the episode for you. Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionCheck out the Brave Writer Practice Pages Peruse the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Read all the Brave Writer class descriptionsCheck out the Class Schedule for Fall Sign up for Brave Writer 101Explore Tools for the Art of WritingRead Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary HappinessRead How Children LearnRead Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for LifeSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:

Infinite Loops
Nir Eyal — How To Become An Indistractable Force (EP.235)

Infinite Loops

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 69:44


“Most people don't want to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth that distraction is always an unhealthy escape from reality.” My latest guest, Nir Eyal, writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. Nir previously taught as a Lecturer in Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. In our conversation, Nir gives it to us straight. Distraction is killing us, and stopping us from reaching our full potential. In a world that is constantly conspiring to keep us distracted, Nir provides an alternative: we can take back control. We can regain our agency. All of these ideas are presented in his book, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life (co-authored with Julie Li). This book is a clear guide to understanding the psychology behind our impulses and is chock-full of great anecdotes and peer-reviewed studies to help you better manage your time, and your life. Nir's framework is not only interesting, it is practical, so I suggest you check out our Substack, where you'll find the episode transcript and some actionable takeaways. I also encourage you to buy Nir's excellent book and start applying his strategies to your own life.  I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Important Links: Nir's personal blog Nir's LinkedIn Nir's Twitter Nir's YouTube channel Nir's Habit Tracking Tool Nir's Schedule Maker Tool Show Notes: What Being Indistractable Is All About Etymology of the Word Distraction The Strong Pull of Internal Triggers The Tyranny of the To-Do List The Difference Between High Performers and Low Performers The Dangers of Labelling Ourselves Using the Psychology of Identity Using Self-Determination Theory to Diagnose Distraction The Perils of Snowplow Parenting Believe the Good Science Nir as Emperor of the World Books / Articles Mentioned: Indistractable; by Nir Eyal (+ bonus content) Nir's articles on Timeboxing, Values, FOMO and Wage slavery Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life; by Peter Gray

Big Picture Science
The Play's the Thing

Big Picture Science

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 62:15


Has children's play become too safe? Research suggests that efforts to prioritize safety harms children's mental and physical development during play and contribute to anxiety. One solution: introduce risk into play. We visit an adventure playground where kids play unsupervised with anything from scraps of metal to hammers and nails. Plus, what are the evolutionary benefits of play? After all, we're not the only species who like to roughhouse, sled, or chase balls. And, reclaiming play for those who have outgrown recess. Guests: David Toomey - Professor of English, University of Massachusetts. Amherst and author of “Kingdom of Play: What Ball-Bouncing Octopuses, Belly-Flopping Monkeys, and Mud-Sliding Elephants Reveal About Life Itself.” Mariana Brussoni - Developmental psychologist who studies children's outdoor risky play, and professor at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Medicine Yoni Kallai - Interim director, head playworker and co-founder of play:groundNYC Peter Gray - Psychology researcher at Boston College and author of "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life" Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Picture Science
The Play's the Thing

Big Picture Science

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 62:15


Has children's play become too safe? Research suggests that efforts to prioritize safety harms children's mental and physical development during play and contribute to anxiety. One solution: introduce risk into play. We visit an adventure playground where kids play unsupervised with anything from scraps of metal to hammers and nails. Plus, what are the evolutionary benefits of play? After all, we're not the only species who like to roughhouse, sled, or chase balls. And, reclaiming play for those who have outgrown recess. Guests: David Toomey - Professor of English, University of Massachusetts. Amherst and author of “Kingdom of Play: What Ball-Bouncing Octopuses, Belly-Flopping Monkeys, and Mud-Sliding Elephants Reveal About Life Itself.” Mariana Brussoni - Developmental psychologist who studies children's outdoor risky play, and professor at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Medicine Yoni Kallai - Interim director, head playworker and co-founder of play:groundNYC Peter Gray - Psychology researcher at Boston College and author of "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life" Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calm and Connected Podcast
Practicing SEL through Play: An Interview with Yara Habanbou from Sea of Knowledge

Calm and Connected Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 28:23


How do we teach our children social and emotional awareness in a fun and play filled way? Eventually our children will become adults so when they walk out into the world, we want them to step into their lives as aware and in control of their emotions as possible. In this episode we discuss:The resources Yara has put together to support social and emotional learningThe importance of playing and therefore learning how to self regulate Crafts which help engage children in social awarenessHow kids cope with anger and the tools to help them while learning this emotionDifferent discipline options during transitional points How to manage your own emotions as a parent Communication points in your child's day so you can check inHow Yara relaxesAbout The Guest - Yara HabanbouYara Habanbou has experience in the field of education, and is deeply passionate about nurturing social-emotional skills in children, helping them grow not only as students but as kind, compassionate, and resilient individuals. She is the creator of seaofknowledge.org, where she shares tons of printables, ideas and activities to nurture kids' social skills as well as their academic skills.Website www.seaofknowledge.orgFacebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolineM Instagram @seaofknowledgeyara—Resources mentioned in the podcast episode:Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown and Christopher VaughanThe Power of Play - learning what comes naturally by David ElkindFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for LifePlay=Learning: How Play Motivates and Enhances Children's Cognitive and Social-Emotional Growth Edited by Dorothy G. Singer, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, and Kathy Hirsh-PasekCalm and Connected Ep 154: Ways to Connect with Kids and Teenshttps://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-154About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play' which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterIf you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Instagram: @copingskillsforkids Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplayYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

Cybernetics of Cybernetics
Folge 6: KybernEthik und Heinz von Foerster (mit Monika Bröcker)

Cybernetics of Cybernetics

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 41:02


Die sechste Folge ist der KybernEthik, Heinz von Foerster und Monika Bröckers Zusammenarbeit mit ihm gewidmet. Dazu hat Lina Nagel mit Monika Bröcker geschrieben und ihr Fragen der Pocast-Höhrer·innen weitergeleitet. In dem Gespräch geht es um… … Ethik und warum sie sich nicht aussprechen lässt. … die Zusammenarbeit von Monika Bröcker und Heinz von Foerster. … ihr erstes Treffen in Pescadero trotz Hindernissen. … Monikas eigentlichen Plan und was daraus geworden ist. … die Herausforderungen bei der Entstehung eines gemeinsamen Buches. … Heinz von Foersters Umgang mit anderen und seine Haltung. … den Begriff der Kybernetik und warum Monika ihn kaum nutzt. … Foerster Wortneuschöpfung der Lethologie und die Haltung des Nichtwissens. Viel Freude beim Zuhören! „Ethics must be implicit; as if one read between the lines, but not in the lines.” (Heinz von Foerster, 2003, S. 52) Weiterführende Literatur und Links • Beitrag, in dem die Frage „What do you devote yourself with particular interest at this time?“ vorkommt sowie das obige Zitat (S. 52): Bröcker, M. (2003). Between the lines: The part-of-the-world-position of Heinz von Foerster. Cyberenetics & Human Knowing. Understanding Understanding: Essays on Cybernetics and Cognition. Heinz von Foerster, 1911-2002, 10(3–4), 51–65. • Foerster, H. v. & Bröcker, M. (2002). Teil der Welt. Fraktale einer Ethik – oder: Heinz von Foersters Tanz mit der Welt (4. Auflage). Heidelberg: Carl Auer. Link: https://www.carl-auer.de/teil-der-welt (S. 305ff zur Lethologie) • Foerster, H. v. (2002): Lethologie. Eine Theorie des Erlernens und Erwissens angesichts von Unwissbarem, Unbestimmbaren und Unentscheidbaren. In: Voß, Reinhard (Hrsg.): Die Schule neu erfinden. Systemisch- konstruktivistische Annäherungen an Schule und Pädagogik (14-32). Neuwied: Luchterhand. • Foerster, H. v. (2003). Understanding Understanding: Essays on Cybernetics and Cognition. Complicity: An International Journal of Complexity and Education. Link: https://www.alice.id.tue.nl/references/foerster-2003.pdf • Monika Bröckers Empfehlung zum Thema Lethologie und de-schooling: Grey, Peter: Free to Learn (2013): Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Basic Books. • Über Monika Bröcker: https://centerforpersonalgrowth.typepad.com/blog/about-monika-broecker.html • Astrid Habiba Kreszmeier „Sympoietisches Ahoi“ im Carl-Auer Magazin. Link: https://www.carl-auer.de/magazin/wildes-weben/sympoietisches-ahoi • Zitat zur Paradoxie des Kybernetik-Begriffs (S. 20): Cramer, H. (2019). Wie erkennen wir die Welt? Die Perspektiven des abendländischen und kybernetischen Denkens und der Konflikt als Möglichkeit polykontexturaler Erfahrung. Unveröffentlichte Masterarbeit. Universität Witten/Herdecke. • Timm Richter interviewt Fritz B. Simon über seine Erinnerungen an Heinz von Foerster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWNw-h981x0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carl-auer.de%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

L'état du jeu
60. Le jeu libre: L'art de laisser les enfants être

L'état du jeu

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 97:09


Jeu libre, jeu risqué, jeu non-structuré... Le développement de l'enfance passionne visiblement la génération actuelle de jeunes parents et les nouveaux termes se multiplient d'un ouvrage à l'autre. Comment s'y retrouver, et surtout, avons-nous réellement affaire à de nouveaux concepts? Dans cet épisode riche de réflexions et de conclusions tirées de la plus récente littérature, Chloé et Marie-Philippe s'inquiètent du déclin du jeu dans la vie des enfants et proposent des manières de l'intégrer davantage tout en tenant compte des ressources de temps et d'énergie. Un épisode que l'on espère éclairant et rassurant.    Cet épisode s'adresse à ceux et celles qui:  - se questionnent sur l'emploi du temps des jeunes enfants;  - souhaitent intégrer le jeu libre et le jeu risqué au quotidien;  - ont envie de jouer et d'être plus créatif en tant qu'adulte.    Ressources mentionnées:  Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) Le drame des enfants parfaits: Pour une permaculture de l'enfance, Céline Lamy  End the Phone-Based Childhood Now, Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic  Nos enfants, le téléphone et le virtuel, Patrick Lagacé, La Presse

Why Do We Do That?
#050 - The Importance of Play with Dr. Peter Gray

Why Do We Do That?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 72:04


In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ryan Moyer speaks with play expert, Dr. Peter Gray about his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students For Life. They discuss the characteristics of an activity that allow it to be considered play, the developmental skills learned during play, why play has declined since the 1950's, and how parents & schools can create environments to foster play. For more on Peter, visit his Substack at petergray.substack.com. Why Do We Do That? is a psychology podcast that deconstructs human behavior from the perspectives of social scientists, psychologists, and others that use applied psychology in their work. Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon |

substack instinct peter gray learn why unleashing more self reliant play will make our children happier why do we do that
Oh Crap Parenting with Jamie Glowacki
169: The Importance of Play with Peter Gray

Oh Crap Parenting with Jamie Glowacki

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 73:01


Discover why play is essential for your child's growth, from enhancing cognitive development to fostering social skills. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College specializing in psychology and neuroscience, who has dedicated his career to understanding the value of play in children's lives. He is a founding member of the board of Let Grow and author of the acclaimed book "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life." Dr. Gray shares insights into how play promotes creativity, problem-solving, and emotional well-being in young children, unraveling the transformative power of play-based learning in schools. Explore the therapeutic benefits of play therapy for children and learn how engaging in play activities can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Join the conversation on the role of play in promoting physical fitness, creativity, and the development of social skills. Tune in to understand why play is crucial during early childhood development and how it positively impacts brain development and adult mental health. Dr. Peter's Substack Free to learn book An Article from Dr. Peter ⁠Jamie's Website⁠⁠ Jamie's Courses ⁠⁠Jamie's Instagram Jamie's Patreon⁠⁠ Oh Crap! Potty Training⁠⁠ Oh Crap! I Have a Toddler (00:01:12) The Significance of Unstructured Play in Child Development (00:08:01) Discovering Passions Through Self-Directed Play (00:11:10) The Role of Rules in Children's Play (00:20:04) The Power of Age-Mixed Play in Reducing Bullying (00:27:31) Unstructured Free Play Fostering School Friendships (00:40:25) Developing Street Smarts Through Age-Mixed Play (00:42:59) Decline of Neighborhood Play due to Organized Activities (00:56:50) The Impact of Academic Pressure on Student Mental Health (01:03:59) Creating a Nurturing Environment for Children (01:10:46) Fostering Independence Through Solo Adventures

Lars og Pål
Episode 138 Peter Gray on reconsidering what we know about schooling and learning

Lars og Pål

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 97:42


In this podcast episode returning guest Peter Gray, retired professor of psychology at Boston College, makes an argument for why we should consider other ways of understanding and structuring learning in and outside of school. We talk about college and access to working life, possible alternative ways of learning an occupation, David Geary's evolutionary theory of biologically primary and secondary abilities, what we need to learn and when we need to learn it, what we can observe in kids who aren't taught in the conventional ways, kids who learn to read on their own or who learn the whole math curriculum in a couple of months in their late teens, how our expectations influence learning, consequences for not reading when society expects you to, how and when children learn to walk and what we do when they don't, whining in different cultures, the summer slide, and what to say when people complain that they wish that someone had forced them to learn something earlier in life, how children's independence and autonomy relates to their mental health, how we try to fix problems by taking away children's liberty and responsibility, why we should teach them about dangers instead of trying to get rid of them, and many other topics.  Even if you don't find yourself agreeing with all of Peter's arguments, we would love to hear more about what points he's making that you think are valid and worth considering. How can we let alternative views on education actually widen our current understanding of learning and schooling, instead of just assuming the worst about each other? Send un an email to larsogpaal@gmail.com, we'll be thankful to every kind of criticism, feedback and suggestions of further explorations and interviews that we should do on these topics.  See more of Peter's writings on his Substack https://petergray.substack.com/ Here's his 2017 article about the summer slide, mentioned in the episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201707/facts-and-fiction-about-the-so-called-summer-slide   Mentions and recommendations from the episode:  Jim Rietmulder, 2019. When Kids Rule the School: The Power and Promise of Democratic Education. New Society Publishers.  Kerry McDonald, 2019. Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom. Chicago Review Press.  David Graeber og David Wengrow. 2021. The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity. Allen Lane. Harriet Pattison. 2016. Rethinking Learning to Read. Educational Heretics Press.  Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. 2007. The Old Ways: A Story of the First People. Picador.  danah boyd. 2014. It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. Yale University Press.  Peter Gray. 2013. Free to Learn: : Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Basic Books Peter Gray, David Lancy, David F. Bjorklund. 2023. «Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children's Mental Wellbeing: Summary of the Evidence» February 2023, The Journal of Pediatrics 260(2)   Peter was previously a guest on the podcast in episode 53:  https://larsogpaal.libsyn.com/episode-53-peter-gray-on-self-directed-education-and-schooling ---------------------------- Our logo is by Sveinung Sudbø, see his works on originalkopi.com The music is by Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen, see the facebook page Nygrenda Vev og Dur for more info.  ---------------------------- Thank you for listening. Please send feedback and questions to larsogpaal@gmail.com There is no better way for the podcast to gain new interested listener than by you sharing it with friends, so if you find what we do interesting and useful, please consider doing just that. The podcast is still most in Norwegian, but we have a lot of episodes coming out in English.  Our blogs: https://paljabekk.com/ https://larssandaker.blogspot.com/ Alt godt, hilsen Lars og Pål

Lars og Pål
Episode 136 David F. Bjorklund on evolution, development and learning

Lars og Pål

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2023 84:36


What role does our evolutionary history play in how we learn? Is it even useful to look and try to determine what's «natural» for us humans? In what way does our biology determine what is good for us? Did evolution «design» us to be happy? What is evolutionary mismatch? What sort of skills require explicit instruction? How do we balance this need with the developmental need for autonomy and independence, which kids in our current culture get less of than before? Why is it developmentally useful to be cognitively immature, and why are young kids natural optimists?  These and many other questions are discussed in this episode, where Lars talks to David F. Bjorklund about his work on human development and evolutionary psychology. We also discuss some of the work of other researchers in the field, like David C. Geary and his distinction between biologically primary and secondary abilities, as well as some of Peter Gray's positions on learning, autonomy, age mixing and mental health.  David F. Bjorklund is a professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University. For more info, see: https://psy.fau.edu/people/dbjorklu.php Recommendations: David F. Bjorklund. (2020). How Children Invented Humanity: The Role of Development in Human Evolution. Oxford University Press David F. Bjorklund (2022). «Children's Evolved Learning Abilities and Their Implications for Education» , June 2022 Educational Psychology Review 34(5) David C. Geary. (2005). Origin of Mind: : Evolution of Brain, Cognition, and General Intelligence. American Psychological Association David C. Geary. (2007). «An Evolutionarily Informed Education Science» October 2008, Educational Psychologist 43(4) David C. Geary og Daniel B. Berch (red). (2016). Evolutionary Perspectives on Child Development and Education. Springer Jerry C. Carlson og  Joel R. Levin (red.) (2007). Educating the Evolved Mind: Conceptual Foundations for an Evolutionary Educational Psychology. Information Age Publishing  Peter Gray. (2013). Free to Learn: : Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Basic Books Peter Gray, David Lancy, David F. Bjorklund. (2023). «Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children's Mental Wellbeing: Summary of the Evidence» February 2023, The Journal of Pediatrics 260(2) Glenn Geher og Nicole Wedberg. (2019). Positive Evolutionary Psychology: Darwin's Guide to Living a Richer Life. Oxford University Press   ---------------------------- Our logo is by Sveinung Sudbø, see his works on originalkopi.com The music is by Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen, see the facebook page Nygrenda Vev og Dur for more info.  ---------------------------- Thank you for listening. Please send feedback and questions to larsogpaal@gmail.com There is no better way for the podcast to gain new interested listener than by you sharing it with friends, so if you find what we do interesting and useful, please consider doing just that. The podcast is still most in Norwegian, but we have a lot of episodes coming out in English.  Our blogs: https://paljabekk.com/ https://larssandaker.blogspot.com/ Alt godt, hilsen Lars og Pål

Teach Your Kids
Lesley Grossblatt: Unschooling With Two Full-Time Jobs

Teach Your Kids

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 67:50


SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODETeach Your Kids: LinkedIn | Website | X | Instagram | Substack | Facebook | TikTokManisha: LinkedIn | X | Instagram | FacebookLesley Grossblatt: LinkedIn | Medium | XJoin our premium community with expert support and adviceSparking Independent Learning with Strewing | Modulo - Lesley GrossblattTeach Your Kids Podcast EpisodesRaising Gifted Learners With Megan Cannella: Insights From a Gifted Learning Specialist About Identifying and Supporting Gifted KidsDr. Gordon Neufeld on Redefining Parental Power & ConnectionBut what about socialization?Teach Your Kids Blog PostsBut what about childcare? - Teach Your KidsBooks and ArticlesFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life - Peter GrayHold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers - Gordon Neufeld, Gabor Maté MDThe Gifted Kids' Survival Guide: For Ages 10 & Under - Judy Galbraith M.A.The Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Smart, Sharp, and Ready for (Almost) Anything  - Judy Galbraith M.A.Unschooling Podcasts and Websites The Exploring Unschooling PodcastUnschooling Mom2MomStrewing CalendarUnschooling SchoolOnline ClassesCreativeLiveMasterClassKhan Academy Related ResourcesHomeschool Association of CaliforniaSudbury school - WikipediaWhat Are You Learning?Young StorytellersThis site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.  Time Codes00:00:00 — Introduction: Manisha welcomes Lesley Grossblatt00:01:09 — Lesley shares her personal journey into unschooling00:03:53 — Discussing the concept of crisis homeschooling00:10:40 — The significance of the de-schooling process in unschooling00:17:05 — Lesley's perspective on the learner-driven approach of unschooling00:21:17 — Utilizing video games and technology as educational tools in unschooling00:29:48 — How Lesley tailored Japanese language learning for her child's interests00:34:31 — Addressing fears and misconceptions about unschooling00:38:45 — Lesley's older child's transition from unschooling to traditional high school00:46:40 — Exploring the concept of strewing in unschooling00:52:20 — Balancing unschooling with full-time work and nurturing children's independence00:55:30 — Lesley discusses integrating life skills into unschooling and shares her experience working with education entrepreneurs00:59:02 — The importance of community support in the unschooling journey01:03:25 — How Lesley manages time and resources for unschooling01:07:00 — Final thoughts and conclusion of the interviewThis podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA's community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.

Teach Your Kids
Raising Indistractable Kids: Nir Eyal's Unconventional Approach to Homeschooling

Teach Your Kids

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 61:57


Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," joins Manisha Snoyer to discuss his family's homeschooling journey, the philosophy of child-led learning, the role of technology in education, and how to raise indistractable kids. Throughout the conversation, Eyal highlights his daughter's experiences with self-directed education, the importance of personalization in learning, and the benefits of a flexible homeschooling schedule. He also shares insights into managing screen time, distinguishing between good and bad digital experiences, and fostering a love for learning. This episode offers a profound exploration of the current educational landscape, providing valuable perspectives for parents, educators, and anyone interested in a modern approach to teaching and learning.Nir Eyal (@nireyal) is a renowned author, lecturer, and expert in behavioral design. Primarily known for his work on the psychology of habit-forming products, he has also made contributions to the field of education, particularly homeschooling. His book "Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life" serves as a manual for maintaining focus in an increasingly distracted world, a concept that he applies to educational settings as well. Eyal's approach blends technological innovation with cognitive psychology, focusing on creating habits and routines that make learning more interactive and tailored to individual needs. His insights not only enhance learning but also offer fresh perspectives in the constantly evolving landscape of learning. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODEConnect with Nir Eyal:Website | X | Facebook | LinkedInHooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products -  Nir EyalIndistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life - Nir EyalFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life - Peter GrayRegain Hours of Lost Productivity - Indistractable Workbook How to Craft an 'Indistractable' Summer Schedule for Your Kids - Nir And FarWyzant - Professional tutorsNo, Smartphones Have Not Destroyed a Generation - Sarah Rose CavanaghSelf-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being - Richard Ryan, Edwar DedciThe Modulo CommunityThis site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Time Codes:[00:01:00]: Manisha introduces her guest, Nir Eyal. He shares his personal homeschooling journey.[00:06:42]: Nir shares his daughter's positive experiences with self-directed education in the form of having the autonomy to hire her own teachers.[00:09:25]: Explanation of the multifaceted advantages of homeschooling, such as schedule flexibility and the ability to include activities traditional schooling can't accommodate, and provides a detailed account of what a typical day looks like.[00:14:45]: Nir shares his philosophy of natural consequences, focusing on guiding rather than dictating. He emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make their own paths, understanding the results of their choices, and building a more authentic learning experience.[00:20:10]: Nir Eyal highlights the importance of being honest and transparent with children, sharing personal anecdotes and struggles.[00:30:50]: Discussion about the social benefits homeschooling provides, including examples of how a customized education can cultivate broader social skills and adaptability.[00:34:43]: Nir Eyal presents his beliefs about screen time, stating that it isn't inherently bad. He emphasizes the importance of moderation and age-appropriate content, along with communication between parent and child.[00:39:20]: Offering a fresh perspective on managing screen time and understanding children's virtual behavior, Nir gives insight into the displacement hypothesis, the idea that children may seek online what they lack offline.[00:49:36]: The significance of scheduling time for online activities and free play.[00:53:53]: Manisha asks the guest, Nir Eyal, about something new he is currently learning.[00:56:00]: Nir Eyal introduces a workbook that can help anyone become less distractible. He outlines four key strategies, opening up a practical path towards focused and effective living.[01:01:24]: Conclusion, book recommendations, resources, and final thoughts.

Teach Your Kids
Revolutionize Your Child's Education with Manisha Snoyer: An Intro to Modular Learning

Teach Your Kids

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 39:02


Manisha Snoyer unravels the untapped potential of homeschooling and mastery learning, laying a roadmap for parents eager to take control of their children's education. Drawing from personal experience and a passion for transformative education, Snoyer criticizes the traditional, rigid educational system, advocating for a more flexible, child-centric approach. She discusses the importance of parental involvement, self-directed learning, and the increasing accessibility of homeschooling tools and communities. Snoyer emphasizes that homeschooling isn't only for the affluent but a feasible option for all, showcasing its positive impact on family well-being and a child's development. Her insights into educational communities, practical life skills, and modular learning are eye-opening, presenting a fresh perspective on modern education. From dealing with screen addiction to teaching financial literacy, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents and educators alike, a call to action for anyone yearning for a more compassionate, innovative education system.Manisha Snoyer is a renowned educator, speaker, and innovator in the field of personalized learning and childhood education. With over a decade of experience, she has worked passionately to bridge the gap between traditional education systems and individualized learning methodologies. Her commitment to fostering a child-centric approach has led her to establish programs and platforms that empower children to learn at their own pace, cultivating creativity and critical thinking. Manisha's expertise extends to the intersection of technology and education, as she leverages digital tools to enhance learning experiences. Most recently, she has taken her insights to the airwaves with a new podcast entitled "Teach Your Kids with Manisha Snoyer." This insightful show delves into the world of modern parenting and education, featuring expert guests and practical advice for parents navigating today's complex educational landscape. Through "Teach Your Kids," Manisha continues her mission to inspire parents, educators, and children alike, forging new paths in education and fostering lifelong learners. Her voice resonates as a beacon of innovation and inspiration in the ever-evolving field of learning.Selected Resources from the EpisodeFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life - Peter GrayHooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products - Nir EyalTeach Your Own: The Indispensable Guide to Living and Learning with Children at Home - John Holt, Pat Farenga Dumbing Us Down - 25th Anniversary Edition: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling - John Taylor Gatto Beast AcademyMastery Learning - Benjamin BloomSecular, Eclectic, Academic (SEA) Homeschoolers | FacebookSo, what's the big deal about "Mastery Learning"? Not school or homeschooling, but modular learningWhat is modular learning? 21 statistics and trends that show homeschooling is the future of schoolMastery Hours: Core Subjects for Your Power HoursA Comprehensive Review of Beast Academy by an experienced math teacher: Is it a good choice for your child?On Bloom's two sigma problem: A systematic review of the effectiveness of mastery learning, tutoring, and direct instructionThis site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.  Time Codes:[00:00:00]: Manisha Snoyer opens the podcast, highlighting the significance of parents in education. [00:01:20]: Snoyer shares her personal journey, allowing listeners to relate to her struggles with the traditional education system. [00:07:32]: Mastery learning in homeschooling is explained, a critical concept that promises personalized growth, emphasizing the child's learning pace.[00:09:20]: Parental involvement is discussed, highlighting its paramount importance and inspiring a call to action for parents.[00:14:35]: Screen addiction is addressed, and an upcoming guest, Nir Eyal, is introduced. [00:17:20]: Manisha talks about remote work and its influence on parental care needs. [00:21:46]: An inspiring story about a single mom in Bolivia demonstrates homeschooling's reach. It's an empowering moment that breaks financial barriers.[00:24:00]: Growing resources and tools like YouTube and adaptive learning apps are discussed. This practical advice aids those interested in homeschooling.[00:26:01]: Manisha emphasizes the need for diverse exposure in education, highlighting a key advantage of homeschooling.[00:30:20]: The importance of teaching practical skills such as financial literacy and data analysis is emphasized. [00:30:40]: Manisha challenges the common excuse of being too busy to homeschool.[00:32:06]: Topics like building healthy bonds, dealing with burnout, and addressing racism are outlined. [00:34:04]: Snoyer discusses the freedom of modular learning, encapsulating the spirit of the movement.[00:36:08]: The future of education and the need to optimize it are stressed. It's a thought-provoking note for future change.[00:38:02]: Manisha Snoyer shares her dream of accessible education, ending on a high note by inviting listeners to join the movement.

Simple Wonders
18 | Video Games and Play w/ Dr. Peter Gray (Part 2)

Simple Wonders

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 36:42


This is part two of my conversation with Dr Peter Gray. In this episode we discuss what play is, what it is not, as well as modern ways that children play, namely video games. As a psychologist, Dr Gray has done immense amounts of research on the cognitive effects of video games and addiction, and I was surprised at what he has to say about them. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College who has conducted and published research in behavioral biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books), which has been translated into 18 languages. He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children's freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. You can follow him on Facebook and find many of his published articles on his website . Show Notes: Playborhood: Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Place For Play by Mike Lanza --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica9025/support

Simple Wonders
17 | Real Life Learning with Dr. Peter Gray (Part 1)

Simple Wonders

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 55:56


Charlotte Mason said that “When we say that 'education is an atmosphere,' we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a 'child-environment' especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child's level.” To help me understand the educational value of the the natural home environment, I've invited Dr Peter Gray on the podcast today to discuss his experience and research in this area. This episode is part 1 of our conversation. We cover topics like why a classroom environment does not foster meaningful learning, why children learn better from from real life experiences, why public schools were started (and how they operate), and why the classroom environment actually nurtures anxiety, stress and bullying. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College who has conducted and published research in behavioral biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books), which has been translated into 18 languages. He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn , for Psychology Today magazine. He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and of the nonprofit Let Grow , the mission of which is to renew children's freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. You can follow him on Facebook and find many of his published articles on his website . --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica9025/support

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids
S7E155: Free To Learn and PLAY with Dr. Peter Gray

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 65:50


Free To Learn and PLAY with Dr. Peter Gray Peter Gray is an American psychologist, author and research professor. He has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. His research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He has been a regular contributor to Psychology Today magazine and is a founding member and president of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) and a founding board director of the nonprofit Let Grow.  He earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia College and Ph.D. in biological sciences at the Rockefeller University many years ago. His own current play includes kayaking, long-distance bicycling, backwoods skiing, and vegetable gardening.  In This Episode: The Importance Of Free Play​ This episode is a re-release of an earlier episode with Peter Gray. (episode 47)  It is such a wonderful and important discussion that I want to make sure it stays accessible.  In this episode we talk about:  The importance of FREE PLAY Self Directed Learning and the key parts of the self directed learning environment The lack of free play in our world today and what the absence of it has led to Parents Fears around self directed education Resources Research studies: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/experts/peter-gray-phd Observational study Jay Feldman https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED453128 Study of Grown Unschoolers https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/Published%20Grown%20Unschoolers%20I.pdf https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/Published%20Grown%20Unschooles%20II.pdf Brian Sutton Smith Play Scholar Play Theory Democratic Schools Sudbury Valley School Peter Gray's Book Free To Learn: Why Unleashing The Instinct To Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students For Life Alliance For Self Directed Education Let Grow Project Podcast Sponsor This episode was brought to you by Fearless Learners by Success Codes Fearless Learners by SuccessCodes;Where all children can learn and grow fearless with a Learning Success Coach by their side. Their certified Learning Success coaches make learning easy with their proven holistic coaching methodology which is a unique and superior alternative to tutoring and teaching in all subjects.All of their coaches are certified teachers as well as certified Learning Success Coaches, who have left the school system to create the ‘right' environment to provide customized and personalized learning experiences.    *Kohila is offering a FREE 45 minute clarity coaching call to Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids listeners. Just go to learningsuccessacademy.com Watch From Fear To Fearless, Kohila's weekly show on Wednesday, 11am Pacific Time at fearlesslearners.live How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler~ March 24th 2023 Grab your FREE or Full Access Pass ticket (only $37) ~ HOW TO BE AN AWESOME HOMESCHOOLER The summit is open to all since we are hosting it as an audio only experience on the Clubhouse app. But if you register for your FREE TICKET through the website you also receive our Digital Swag Bag that gives you a ton of resource freebies for parents and kids (like my son's Science Animal Journal, Kelly Edwards Creating Quiet Time packet, Free Conscious Parenting mini course, Discounts on our favourite books, Kids Entrepreneurship Course, Discounts to online resources and MORE.  If you cannot make the live event, we are also offering a FULL ACCESS package of the recordings, pdfs and post summit community gatherings which include a Movie Screening~ The amazing film MaidenTrip~ and Live Group Q&A and Coaching with Kelly Edwards of 90 Minute School Day and I.  We are able to create this summit and make it accessible because of our wonderful Sponsors. Night ZooKeeper, Learning Success Academy, Erica Kesilman~Conscious Parent Coach, Mel Science, Storitopia, Amanda Schenkenberger~ Homeschool Coach, Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids podcast and 90 Minute School Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LiberatED Podcast
Sudbury Valley School: Celebrating 50+ years of self-directed education

LiberatED Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 41:12


The Sudbury Valley School is legendary in alternative education and unschooling circles. Founded in Framingham, Massachusetts in 1968, Sudbury Valley has become a beacon for parents and educators interested in non-coercive, self-directed education, and has inspired the creation of dozens of Sudbury-style schools around the world.  Our guest today is Mimsy Sadofsky, one of the original founders of the Sudbury Valley School who continues to work at the school as a full-time staff member.  This episode is also personally very special because I wanted to share with you our family's journey toward enrolling at Sudbury Valley School. Episode-related links: Sudbury Valley School open house Planning kit for starting a Sudbury model school Award-winning filmmaker and Sudbury Valley School alumna, Laura Poitras American Journal of Education research paper on SVS graduate outcomes Free At Last, by SVS cofounder Daniel Greenberg Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, by Peter Gray Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom, by Kerry McDonald

RABBITHOLE
Is School Good? #8: Peter Gray

RABBITHOLE

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 71:25


Pete and Sparky have a chat with Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College and author of the book "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life," about the importance of unstructured, adult-free activity in children's social and intellectual development.You can learn more about Professor Gray's books, and read his blog posts, at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/peter-gray-phdThis episode was edited by Dan Thorn (@danieljtvthorn) of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA, and it features theme music by Danny Bradley. If you liked the podcast, please consider supporting our investigators on our Patreon.

school education boston college instinct somerville sparky peter gray better students learn why unleashing more self reliant play will make our children happier dan thorn pink noise studios
School Sucks: Higher Education For Self-Liberation
5. How Schools Crush Creativity and Critical Thinking

School Sucks: Higher Education For Self-Liberation

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 66:59


The Essential School Sucks, #5 of 50 Theme One: The Real Problems With Public School Dr. Peter Gray was a research professor of psychology at Boston College, and author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (https://amzn.to/3sJOtcu). Peter serves on the Organizing team for the Alliance of Self-Directed-Education. He also runs a blog on Psychology Today called Freedom to Learn, where he regularly explains and promotes self-directed education from a variety of angles. Today Peter and I discuss creativity and critical thinking - two skills we agree are left underdeveloped (or even damaged) by public school and college. On critical thinking, Peter has referenced studies and surveys that reveal about 50% of employers are dissatisfied with entry-level, college graduate employees (PayScale Inc.) and that college does little to improve higher level thinking (Academically Adrift: Limited Learning On College Campuses - 2011). On creativity, Peter wrote a piece called As Children's Freedom Has Declined, So Has Their Creativity. Peter informs us that there are actually quantitative studies, including the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, that show a marked decline in children's creative capacity since the 1980s. We discuss the causes of this decline in detail. We finish with a friendly disagreement (then agreement) on the educational merits of video games. In part one we discussed the biological foundations of self-education. LISTEN HERE (https://www.patreon.com/posts/podcast-542-gray-16951940) In part three we'll talk about Peter's vision for self-directed education in the future. LISTEN HERE (https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/schoolsucks/episodes/2018-02-16T07_45_51-08_00) Our Partners https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/b/b9f98e30-82d3-4781-8400-880c6dc8086f/2gtm0QVk.png Visit Praxis (https://discoverpraxis.com/schoolsuckspodcast/) Please Support School Sucks School Sucks was one of the longest running liberty-minded podcasts on the web, and the only one completely devoted to the issue of education (versus public school and college). Your support keeps the show alive, which keeps us at the top of the options for education podcasts and leads to new people discovering our work. Please help us continue to spread this important message further! One-Time Donation Options:Paypal/Venmo;Donate DASHDonate ETHEREUMDonate LITECOINDonate BITCOINDonate BITCOIN CASHDonate ZCASH Recurring Options: Support Us On PATREONYou support our mission, and you want to help us continue to reach new people with our message and media. Your contribution helps us maintain presence, and to further build the legacy of School Sucks Project. And please bookmark and use this link for your Amazon shopping: Shop With Us Our Private Community: https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/b/b9f98e30-82d3-4781-8400-880c6dc8086f/fNnDUPqb.png Visit The Uni-iversity (https://sspuniversity.com/) Originally Released February 13, 2018 As "[PODCAST #543] Peter Gray (Part Two) – School's Impact On Creativity and Critical Thinking"

LiberatED Podcast
Let Children Be Free To Learn: Peter Gray on self-directed education and schooling alternatives

LiberatED Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 54:44


"School has become a toxic place for children and we refuse to say that publicly," asserts Peter Gray in this illuminating episode. Dr. Gray is a psychology professor at Boston College and the author of the book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. He speaks and writes frequently on the value of self-directed education, the problems with coercive schooling, and the importance of childhood play, including on his popular Freedom to Learn blog at Psychology Today. Learn more about Peter Gray's research here.  

theChat
Chat with Tristanne

theChat

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 51:20


In this episode Tristanne talks about her challenges and skepticism of homeschooling and she overcame them. She shares valuable information and resources that helped not only her step into the homeschooling arena but is bringing her husband along. Listen in as she goes through her journey of homeschooling. Click on the titles for links to resources. Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education, A New Way to Homeschool by Ainsley Armen The Four-Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life by Durenda Wilson Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray Honey for a Child's Heart Paperback by Gladys Hunt --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thechatwithbex/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thechatwithbex/support

MFA: The Parenting Edition
Just My Imagination

MFA: The Parenting Edition

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2022 34:06


Today's topic is the imagination: what is the imagination, how do you activate it, why is imaginary play so important. Kids have the best imaginations because we haven't, as a world, killed their minds yet with all our imposed ways of thinking, being, and living in this world. So how can we learn from kids, theatre, and from the way we use our own imagination every day to live a richer more exciting and beautiful life? How best can we stop living mediocre, boring lives absolutely free today? We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much-needed audio hug.  Act I: The Raise a Glass Series·       The Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory”Act II: Main Questions·       What is the imagination? How is it activated and why do we use it? Why is imaginary play so important? How does an actor engage their imagination? What are imaginative games to play as a family? If I knew it could be 100% achievable what would my ideal family life of my wildest imagination look like?          Intermission: Angelica InterludeWhy don't you like using the potty?Act III: A Short Story Before We GoThe Scene That Never EndsEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/045Freebie: Imaginative Play and Theatre Games for the Family hereSources that helped inspire this episode: (full list on website)·       Imagination is an Actor's Best Friend (backstage.com)·       Talking Play and Imagination with Peter Gray - Resilience·       Play Games, Watch Videos Online & More! - Bluey Official Website·       Improvisation for the Theater a book by Viola Spolin (bookshop.org)·       Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life a book by Peter Gray (bookshop.org)·       Podcast - Raising Free People™ NetworkConnect with Me: Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

The Renegade Mama
Ep 24 : Peter Gray - How we need to learn to trust our kids again, why play matters and unschooling

The Renegade Mama

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 90:46


Today on the show I speak with research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and author of Free to Learn - Peter Gray. What I love about Peter is as well as an academic he has also walked his talk. When his son was rebelling against the traditional schooling system and called it a prison (which he agrees it is) they explored other options and ended up at Sudbury Valley School which changed the course of Peter's research and ultimately his life. Peter tells this amazing story of how when his son was 12 years old, he came to his wife and himself with a plan to travel to Europe alone. In the ultimate display of trust of a child (which he says has been lost in our culture), Peter and his wife agreed to the proposal and his son did go to Europe alone year later at age 13. We also cover many topics including the importance of mixed age play, the importance of play in general and moving away from competitiveness to collaboration. I also question how Sudbury which is ultimately based on an unschooling principal goes with government regulations and it seems that America is much more liberal than Australia. We also touch on Tara Westover's book Educated and the irony of her story and message. Peter is a genuine and well researched scholar who I feel is way ahead of the game of schooling or rather unschooling. Peter's work is just what we need right now in this changing world where many people are feeling the calling to move into homeschooling but are still a little uncertain or scared. I hope this interview helps parents realise that they and more importantly their children already have everything they need to learn, thrive and educate themselves. Enjoy this insightful conversation and view of what I see as the future of education. Peter Gray Research Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College. My book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, is available in 18 languages. My four new collections of essays can be purchased now at Tipping Points Press. See also my Psychology Today blog and follow me on Facebook

Nourish Balance Thrive
Living Ancestral Health: Diet, Cohousing and Unschooling

Nourish Balance Thrive

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 42:47


One of the best things about doing this podcast for the past seven years has been how our guests have shaped nearly every aspect of my life and the lives of my family. Over the years my wife Julie and I have built an ancestral lifestyle we believe to be most conducive to health, connection, and longevity, largely influenced by the brilliant guests we've interviewed right here. The process has been nothing short of an adventure, and it continues to unfold. On this podcast, I'm joined by my wife, food scientist Julie Kelly to talk about how we've taken everything we've learned about health, wellness, and ancestral living to create a home life that truly supports and sustains our family. We talk about how we eat, prepare meals, and educate our kids and changes we've made over the years. Julie shares the immense value she's derived from a very specific type of psychotherapy, and we discuss how our practice of managing stress has evolved. We also give an update on our adventures in cohousing, and the number one factor that we've learned will make or break cohousing relationships. Here's the outline of this interview with Julie Kelly: ​​[00:00:17] Ayla is 6 months old; the birth experience. [00:02:21] Podcasts with Lily Nichols, RDN: How to Optimise Nutrition for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes with Lily Nichols. [00:03:13] How our eating has evolved over time. [00:04:04] Podcast: How We Really Burn Calories, Lose Weight, and Stay Healthy, with Herman Pontzer, PhD. [00:04:22] Meal prep and shopping. Our eBook: What We Eat. [00:07:14] Justin Sonnenberg. [00:07:37] Lucy Mailing, PhD; Podcasts: 1. How to Optimise Your Gut Microbiome, 2. Microbiome Myths and Misconceptions, 3. Rewilding the Gut: Restoring Ancestral Diversity to the Microbiome. [00:09:17] Simon Marshall's Stress Audit; Podcast: How to Manage Stress. [00:11:31] Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP); Podcast: Healing and Transformation with Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), with Jason Connell. Learn more about working with Jason. [00:16:27] Book: It's Not Always Depression: Working the Change Triangle to Listen to the Body, Discover Core Emotions, and Connect to Your Authentic Self, by Hilary Jacobs Hendel. [00:18:33] Forest School. [00:21:58] Book: Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, by Peter Gray; Podcast: Free to Learn: Unleashing the Instinct to Play, with Peter Gray, PhD. [00:22:36] Books: The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children, and The Scientist In The Crib: Minds, Brains, And How Children Learn, by Alison Gopnik, PhD. [00:24:54] Book: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein. [00:25:00] Cohousing; Podcast: Contemplating Cohousing: A Paradigm for Modern Day Tribal Living. [00:25:07] Book: Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual Understanding, by Sarah Blaffer Hrdy. [00:26:13] Article: The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake, by David Brooks. [00:26:25] Podcast: The Postmenopausal Longevity Paradox and the Evolutionary Advantage of Our Grandmothering Life History, with Kristin Hawkes, PhD. [00:29:54] Our experience with Workaway.info.  [00:38:38] Our Workaway profile.

The Peaceful Parenting Podcast
Bonus Q&A: What Do You Say? How to Talk to Kids to Promote Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home with Ned Johnson

The Peaceful Parenting Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 37:45


In this week's episode, I sit down with Ned Johnson, author, speaker, and founder of PrepMatters, for a Q&A surrounding the principles of raising a self-driven child.   This conversation was recorded in my membership, where community members were able to ask Ned their questions.    Ned also talks about the book he co-authored with Bill Stixrud called What Do You Say? How to Talk to Kids to Promote Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home. The book is now available for order.    Listen in as we talk about: Is there anything really worth fighting about with our kids? Why approaching situations peacefully helps everyone come to a better solution How to encourage your kids to pursue their passions in this time Ways to support your kids without undermining their autonomy Tips to help neuro-diverse children when feeling unaccomplished or frustrated   Resources mentioned in the episode:  Purchase his new book What Do You Say with co-author Bill Stixrud here Purchase The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray   A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993 and battle-tested veteran of test prep, stress regulation and student performance, Ned has spent nearly more than 40,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests, learning and honing his insightful interpersonal skills. Ned coaches clients to manage their anxiety, and find the motivation to reach their full potential.     In 2006, Ned co-authored the book Conquering the SAT: How Parents Can Help Students Overcome the Pressure and Succeed, which tackles the outsized role anxiety plays in standardized testing. With Dr. William Stixrud, Ned co-authored The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives and “What Do You Say?: How to Talk With Kids to Promote Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home”, due out August 17.    Their book explores how fostering children's autonomy can help solve two challenges endemic to kids today: facing anxiety and developing intrinsic motivation. Ned is also the host of the PrepTalks podcast: conversations with parenting and education experts. Aa sought-after speaker and teen coach on study skills, sleep deprivation, parent-teen dynamics, and test anxiety, and his work is featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.   Connect with Ned On Instagram On Twitter On LinkedIn On Facebook Prep Talks Podcast www.prepmatters.com   Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   On Instagram On Facebook https://www.sarahrosensweet.com 

Bret Weinstein | DarkHorse Podcast
#92: The Blankest Slate (Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying DarkHorse Livestream)

Bret Weinstein | DarkHorse Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2021 100:28


In this 92nd in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we discuss the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.In this episode, we discuss childhood. Beginning with an excerpt from chapter 9 (Childhood) of our forthcoming book, A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century, we discuss what childhood is, what other organisms have it, and why it is important. We discuss plasticity in development, and the need to develop flexibility as a growing human. We discuss Lenore Skenazy (America's Worst Mom!), and Let Grow, an organization dedicated to helping kids build real-world confidence, competence and openness. We discuss the need for play—real, unstructured play without interference from adults—and for risk. And we discuss the adaptive underpinnings of play.Get your Goliath shirts right here: store.darkhorsepodcast.orgHeather's newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.comSupport the sponsors of this show:Four Sigmatic: Delicious mushroom coffee made with both real coffee and two species of mushrooms. Up to 40% off and free shipping at Foursigmatic.com/DARKHORSE.Vivo Barefoot: Shoes for healthy feet—comfortable and regenerative, enhances stability and tactile feedback. Go to www.vivobarefoot.com/us/darkhorse to get 20% off, and a 100-day free trial.Allform: Get 20% off any order (of a beautiful sofa) from Allform at https://allform.com/darkhorse.Our book, A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century, is now available for pre-sale at amazon. Publication date: 9-14-21: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593086880/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_5BDTABYFKRJKZBT5GSQAhttp://huntergatherersguide.com/DarkHorse merchandise now available at: store.darkhorsepodcast.orgFind more from us on Bret's website (https://bretweinstein.net) or Heather's website (http://heatherheying.com).Become a member of the DarkHorse LiveStreams, and get access to an additional Q&A livestream every month. Join at Heather's Patreon.Like this content? Subscribe to the channel, like this video, follow us on twitter (@BretWeinstein, @HeatherEHeying), and consider helping us out by contributing to either of our Patreons or Bret's Paypal.Looking for clips from #DarkHorseLivestreams? Here are some, updated frequently: @DarkHorse Podcast ClipsTheme Music: Thank you to Martin Molin of Wintergatan for providing us the rights to use their excellent music.Q&A Link: https://youtu.be/bsNfjGVrZOAMentioned in this episode:A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century: https://huntergatherersguide.comSkenazy, L., 2021 (2nd ed). Free-range kids, giving our children the freedom we had without going nuts with worry. John Wiley & Sons.Skenazy, L. 2008. Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone. The New York Sun, April 1, 2008. https://www.nysun.com/opinion/why-i-let-my-9-year-old-ride-subway-alone/73976/Let Grow: https://letgrow.orgGray, P. 2013. Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Basic Books.Martini, M. (1994). Peer interactions in Polynesia: A view from the Marquesas. In J. L. Roopnarine, J. E. Johnson, & F. H. Hooper (Eds.), Children's play in diverse cultures (pp. 73-103). Albany: State University of New York Press.Lancy, D.F., 2014. The anthropology of childhood: Cherubs, chattel, changelings. Cambridge University Press.Spinka, M., Newberry, R.C. and Bekoff, M., 2001. Mammalian play: training for the unexpected. The Quarterly review of biology, 76(2): 141-168. https://www.journals.uchicago.edSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/bretweinstein)

Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs
Podcast Extra - Home Education, Motherhood and Parenting w/ Special Guests Zoe Willis and Lorna Franklin

Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 82:30


Something a bit different for this podcast extra. A special episode in which Rev Jamie is joined by his better half, Lorna, and Catholic blogger and mother of four Zoe Willis to talk about home education, motherhood and parenting in the age of madness through which we are currently living. Among the topics discussed were: Why Homeschooling?; Homeschooling as cultural memory and resistance to totalitarianism; Tips for those who can't or don't want to; Common myths and objections: Won't my children turn into weirdos? I'm not clever enough to home educate.Notices:Thanks to our Patreons! Support us from £1.50 plus VAT per month: https://patreon.com/irreverendIrreverend Weekly Sermon Audio: https://irreverendsermonaudio.buzzsprout.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/IrreverendPodTelegram: https://t.me/irreverendpodEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMAcRZPstCujEN4p8dF_ClQOdysee: https://odysee.com/@irreverend:5Audio Podcast: https://irreverend.buzzsprout.comLinks:Zoe Willis' Blog: https://www.withsighs.com/Education Otherwise: https://www.educationotherwise.org/Bonnie Landry: https://www.bonnielandry.ca/Bonnie Landry Podcast: https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/Bonnie Landry How-To Workshop: https://www.bonnielandry.ca/aboutConquest Books Homeschool Curricula: https://www.conquestbooks.co.uk/Monkey Mum, How much time in school is actually spent learning?: https://monkeymum.blog/2015/09/13/time-is-precious/ Peter Gray, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, 2013Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend)

The Bookshop Podcast
Peter Gray, Ph. D., Self-Directed Education

The Bookshop Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 56:55


Peter Gray, Ph.D., research professor at Boston College, is the author of Free to Learn (Basic Books) and Psychology (Worth Publishers, a college textbook now in its 8th edition). He has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University.His current research and writing focus primarily on children's natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. He a founding member of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and a founding board member of the nonprofit Let Grow. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long-distance bicycling, kayaking, back-woods skiing, and vegetable gardening.Here are the links for this episode:Let GrowTipping Points PressPsychology TodayPeter Gray on FacebookFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, Dr. Peter Gray (available in 18 languages). The Alliance For Self-directed Learning Support the show (https://paypal.me/TheBookshopPodcast?locale.x=en_US)

Right Now with Stephen Kent
E14: E14: Connor Boyack and Corey DeAngelis want to put learning back in the hands of parents

Right Now with Stephen Kent

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 56:17


The public school system has made chaotic decisions over the course of the pandemic that, frankly, screwed over parents and students. But families can still take their kids' educations into their own hands. On this episode of "Right Now with Stephen Kent," Stephen sits down with Corey DeAngelis, National Director of Research at the American Federation for Children, and Connor Boyack, President of the Libertas Institute, for a conversation about how teachers' unions don't have students' nor teachers' best interests at heart, the pros and cons of remote learning, the concept of "unschooling" and separating schooling from education, and what options parents still have to make sure their child has the most fulfilling education possible. Subscribe to Rightly to watch their conversation and find out more details about the episode below. ---- Content of This Episode ----00:00​​​​​ Episode Start00:06 Stephen’s horrible, no good, very bad school year.03:15 Why are teacher’s unions deciding when to open schools?06:20 The ‘trust crisis’ among parents and students11:00 Are we doing right by students or teachers?14:30 The system’s great for union bosses. But for teachers? Not so much.16:30 School choice: funding students, not schools19:30 How to talk to kids about this past year23:30 Silver linings? More support for homeschooling26:45 Parents learn about the political indoctrination in public schools29:40 The rise of pandemic pods33:45 Why do we segregate students by age?36:20 Stephen tries his hand at teaching during COVID40:25: What do education and agriculture have in common?42:50: Utah walks back truancy laws45:10: Unschooling: Divorcing schooling from education46:35: Three things parents can do to change schools50:45: Good news! Stephen sold his crypto a couple weeks ago. ---- Reading List ---- Do schools kill creativity? (TED Talk from Sir Ken Robinson)https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life" by Peter Gray (Basic Books)https://www.amazon.com/Free-Learn-Unleashing-Instinct-Self-Reliant/dp/0465025994 Randi Weingarten on Reopening Schools (C-SPAN)https://www.c-span.org/video/?511782-4/washington-journal-randi-weingarten-discusses-reopening-schools Randi Weingarten's Hilariously Awful Media Rehabilitation Tour (Reason)https://reason.com/2021/05/21/randi-weingartens-hilariously-awful-media-rehabilitation-tour/ "Passion-Driven Education: How to Use Your Child's Interests to Ignite a Lifelong Love of Learning" by Connor Boyack (Libertas Press)https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Driven-Education-Interests-Lifelong-Learning/dp/1943521115/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3JMVGS7LO7P1D&dchild=1&keywords=connor+boyack&qid=1622038189&s=books&sprefix=connor+boya%2Cstripbooks%2C152&sr=1-4 Fund Students, Not Systems (Educational Freedom Institute)http://efinstitute.org/ ---- Plugs for our Guest ---- Follow Corey DeAngelis on Twitter:https://twitter.com/DeAngelisCorey Follow Connor Boyack on Twitter:https://twitter.com/cboyack

The New Schools
Peter Gray - Learning Through Play

The New Schools

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 73:30


Peter Gray is the author of Psychology, an introductory textbook now in its sixth edition, and, most recently, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. It discusses how to bring more play into kids' lives, the catalyst that led him to explore play's benefits, his theories on play as a primal mode of education, and advice to inspire play. His past research had to do with basic mammalian motivational mechanisms, and his present research has to do with children's play and its educative value. Key Takeaways: 00:42 The origin story of Dr. Gray's Career 15:13 Free Play 20:39 Fear on letting kids to play outside 39:14 Founding the Alliance for Self-Directed Education 49:36 Montessori - Work VS Play 53:04 Online Play Quotes: “I've always felt like I wanted to do things that would help make the world better.” “With every 10 years, kids have less time to play than they did the previous 10 years.” “Unfortunately, we set the pattern and it spreads and it starts maybe upper-class and it seeps down to affect everybody. I used to be able to say that working class people, and even people in some poverty, that the kids had more freedom to play in the United States than wealthier kids did, but I don't think that's true anymore.” “The other that played a role in why children aren't outdoors playing is the fact that we developed a set of irrational fears about how dangerous it is outdoors.” “When children are playing on their own, they're making their own decisions about what to do. They're solving their own problems.” Social Links: Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life Book Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/the-evolutionary-importance-of-self-directed-play.aspx#.YJQq7GYzaEs

Rogue Learner
The Six Optimizing Conditions for Self Directed Education with Dr. Peter Gray

Rogue Learner

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 53:32


Dr. Peter Gray Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College who has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. He is a founding member and former president of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE), which is aimed at creating a world in which children's natural ways of learning are facilitated rather than suppressed. He is also a founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children's freedom to play and explore outdoors, independently of adults. He earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia College and Ph.D. in biological sciences at the Rockefeller University many years ago. His own current play includes kayaking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, vegetable gardening, chopping wood for his home's wood-burning stove, and writing occasional sonnets. Facebook   Show Notes Dr. Peter Gray has spent years researching how children naturally learn. He focused on play and what children are doing when they play and the function of play. He's interested in play from an evolutionary perspective, children's nature that comes about by natural selection to serve the function of education.  As Jenna was researching self directed learning, she came upon the six optimizing conditions for self directed education and found it extremely helpful in guiding her toward an environment at home that was ideal for learning.  Dr. Gray developed the six optimizing conditions for self directed learning based on what he studied at The Sudbury Valley School and through surveying ten anthropologists who had studied and lived among 7 different hunter-gatherer communities. He found many similarities between the hunter-gatherer communities and the students at Sudbury Valley School.  The first condition is the social expectation and reality that education is children's responsibility. Dr. Gray observed that children come into the world biologically designed to educate themselves. Right from the beginning, children are curious and figuring things out on their own initiative. If adults believe that children need to be forced to learn, we can talk them out of the idea that they're responsibility. We essentially send them the message that their curiosity doesn't count. The adults in the child's environment are not conveying the view that the adult is responsible for their education.  Jenna asks where does that that idea come from that adults have to educate children? Dr. Gray explains that the original purpose for education was to teach obedience. Autonomy was valued in hunter-gatherer bands, but agriculture changed all of this. An hierarchy arose by way of land ownership. This led to feudalism, whereby everyone was dependent on the land owners. It became imperative that Serf parents teach their children to obey for their own survival in this hierarchical world. The original schools were developed by Protestants in Prussia. There were three purposes for schools at that time; reading (as it was very common at that time for average day families to be literate), indoctrination (save children's souls), teach obedience. Willfulness was sinfulness. Children were meant to memorize content, otherwise they'd be punished. Nobody questioned it. Most teachers don't have this goal in today's modern world, however they are entering into a school system which was never designed for that and is incapable of promoting creativity, critical thinking and a love for learning. The only way you can pass in school  is to do what you're told to do and the only way to fail is to not do what you're told to do. So even today, the goal is still obedience. The second optimized condition for SDE is unlimited freedom to play, explore, and pursue their own interests. Kids need lots of time to do this, essentially all day. Kids from the age of about four on through late teenage years in hunter-gatherer communities had all day to play and explore. This is the same way Sudbury Valley School models their school. It allows children to exercise their nature-given gifts that are for the purpose of education. Dr. Gray recalls in his own education back in the 50's, there were far fewer hours spent in school and on homework and therefore he had time to spend playing and exploring outside the confines of a school setting, unlike how it is today. School was never a great place for learning, but it didn't occupy so much of a child's day.  Adult-directed sports, clubs, and extracurriculars are no replacement for play. It's yet another place where obedience is the primary issue. If it's self selected it's fine, but when that type of activity is occupying so much of a child's time, they are deprived of the opportunity to figure things out on their own.  In highschool, Jenna's day started at 6am, she went to school, came home in time for dinner, did homework and then went to bed. There was no time for play or creative pursuits.  Dr. Gray says we are raising a generation of sleep-deprived kids, and studies conducted during the pandemic have revealed that due to school closures, children are getting more sleep and parents and children are reporting improved moods because of it.  Jenna shares how her son is now getting 3 hours of extra sleep because he's at home learning.  The third optimizing condition for SDE is opportunity to play with tools of the culture. By play, it's meant that children get to use the tool in whichever way they choose. Children want to use tools in meaningful ways, build something, cook something, etc. In any culture, children are naturally drawn to the most important tools of their culture. Playing with those tools is how you develop mastery of the tools. In hunter-gatherer bands, parents and older kids might help facilitate this learning by making small versions of these tools. Computers are the most important tools of our culture, which is why children are drawn to them. Other tools that are important in our culture are kitchen appliances, wood tools, sports equipment, books, etc. One advantage to a self-directed learning center or school is that they might have a more diverse collection of tools in which the children can discover and use.  Jenna shares her experience as a teacher, in which she handed out scientific equipment to students and they were compelled to play with it before the actual lesson began. It was evident to her that her students weren't interested in being directed through the activity using the tools, instead they would have rather discovered its uses on their own.   Dr. Peter Gray points out that kids want to figure out how to use a tool, rather than being shown how to use it. Of course, safety and proper use of tools is important before use of dangerous or delicate tools. Jenna remembers reading in Peter Gray's book, Free To Learn about a study done on babies where researchers observed how two independent groups of babies responded to toys given to them without being shown all the ways in which you can play with it, and toys given to them where the researcher spent a great deal of time showing the baby what you can do with the toy. The babies who weren't given instruction about how the toy worked learned more about the toy and found more ways of playing with the toy. The most interesting toys are ones that have infinite ways of playing with it. Dr. Gray points out how this is akin to math instruction in school because kids are being given the way to do the math problem, which takes away the discovery and curiosity in math problems.  The fourth optimizing condition for SDE is access to a variety of caring adults who are helpers, not judges. Caring adults could be family members, friends, or mentors to the child. They are glad to help but are not evaluating or judging the child in any way. It's important because we can't be fully honest when we are being judged by others. You're not likely to present your problems to someone who is judging you. You're going to be orientated toward, what does this person want me to say and what does this person want me to do? There's an artificiality in your interaction with someone who is judging you. Adults are there to help when children ask for it. It's tough in our society since everything is measured and competitive. In a school setting, it's impossible not to evaluate or judge. Being judged is stressful, which inhibits your performance on anything you're not good at and your creativity. The ideal situation would be where the individual is the only judge of their work or performance. Children need a variety of adults to observe, so they can get a sense of what it's like to be an adult and get a broader sense of what adults are like. Children can also learn from adults with various skills and professions.  Jenna is reminded of the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” She jokingly tells her husband they should go live on a commune because the way our culture lives, in our individual houses sometimes isolated from family, is not conducive to how children learn.   Helpful Resources Mentioned in Today's Show Alliance for Self Directed Education Free To Learn  by Peter Gray Psychology Today   Ways to Connect Email me: contact.roguelearner@gmail.com Facebook  Instagram Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rogue-learner/id1543224038 Google Play: https://podcasts.google.com/search/rogue%20learner Spotify: https://roguelearner.libsyn.com/spotify YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCocbWsxxAMSbUObiCQXPg Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/rogue-learner  

Unschooling Conversations
#7 Unschooling and learning through play with Peter Gray

Unschooling Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 62:02


SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/liveplaylearn Peter Gray joins Heidi Steel this month, to talk about the role of play in our children's natural learning journey. We discuss: · Learning through real play, natural human development, and the adult's role in providing a rich environment. · Peter shares with us his own interest and personal journey into Self Directed Education 2:46 · The outcomes of young people who are self directed in their education, including unschoolers 9:10 · Defining true play 16:27 · What play looks like beyond the age of five and how it changes and develops as our children get older 29:44 · How will our children learn all the things that they need to learn 34:00 · The adult's role in facilitating our children's education, opportunities and conditions that allow the child to play in the way that they need and want to 44:43 · Courage, knowledge, confidence and faith in unschooling 48:20 · The benefits of self directed education 51:08 GUEST MEDIA LINKS: Research Professor, Department of Psychology, Boston College. My book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, is available in 18 languages. My four new collections of essays can be purchased now at Tipping Points Press. See also my Psychology Today blog and follow me on Facebook LIVEPLAYLEARN LINKS: Website Liveplaylearn.org Facebook Live. Play. Learn YouTube Live Play Learn

consideranew (+ Season 2 cohost, Dr. Jane Shore of School of Thought)
Season 1: Episode 14 - Peter Gray: This must stop, adults

consideranew (+ Season 2 cohost, Dr. Jane Shore of School of Thought)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 8:00


"Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-reliant, and Better Students for Life" by Peter Gray (2013) (http://bit.ly/3qGXRuI) "We have created a world in which children must suppress their natural instincts to take charge of their own education and, instead, mindlessly follow paths to nowhere laid out for them by adults. We have created a world that is literally driving many young people crazy and leaving many others unable to develop the confidence and skills required for adult responsibility” (p. 19). References: Let Grow (https://letgrow.org/) Lenore Skenazy (https://twitter.com/FreeRangeKids) Jonathan Haidt (https://twitter.com/JonHaidt) Neutral Zone (https://www.neutral-zone.org/) Michael Lipset of PassTell Stories (http://www.michaellipset.com/) Connect: Twitter (https://twitter.com/mjcraw) Website (https://www.mjcraw.com) Music from Digi G'Alessio CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 (https://bit.ly/2IyV71i)

The Hamilton Review
A Conversation with Peter Gray, Part Two - The Importance Of Playtime For Children

The Hamilton Review

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 31:04


In this episode, Dr. Bob welcomes Peter Gray back to the Hamilton Review. Peter goes into detail about the importance of children having time and freedom to play - playing is their job and it is critical for parents to honor that. With the rise of technology, increased screen time, less opportunity to explore the outdoors and now a worldwide pandemic, children are at an increased risk for depression, ADHD and even suicide. Peter also talks about his non profit organization, Let Grow. Let Grow equips parents, educators, and communities with the tools and confidence to raise independent kids who are ready to succeed in our ever-changing world. Friends, this is an important discussion for anyone with children in their life, don't miss part two of this conversation. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College who has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children's freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. How to contact Dr. Peter Gray: Let Grow: https://letgrow.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.gray.3572 How to contact Dr. Bob: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

The Hamilton Review
A Conversation With Peter Gray (Professor, Author and Co Founder Of Let Grow), Part One

The Hamilton Review

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 28:46


In the first of two conversations, Dr. Bob welcomes Peter Gray to the show. Peter is the author of the book, "Free To Learn: Why Unleashing The Instinct To Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self Reliant, and Better Students for Life." Dr. Bob and Peter have an in depth discussion about his book and how it applies to children and their ability to process information and learn. Peter also talks a bit about his personal experience with his son and the educational structure that worked best for him. Don't miss this episode! Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College who has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children's freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. How to contact Peter Gray: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.gray.3572 How to contact Dr. Bob: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656   Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

consideranew (+ Season 2 cohost, Dr. Jane Shore of School of Thought)
Season 1: Episode 1 - Justin Cook: Seeing education for what it really is

consideranew (+ Season 2 cohost, Dr. Jane Shore of School of Thought)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 6:42


"Sustainability, human well-being, and the future of education" by Justin Cook (2019) (https://bit.ly/39ZAsyD) “Teachers are steeped in education systems; from the age of 4 or 5, they have been immersed in an educational context. They are perhaps the only profession whose compulsory, secondary, and tertiary education environments are the same in which they work professionally. This fact fundamentally challenges the profession's ability to step out of a subjective way of seeing. As George Orwell said, ‘To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle' (Orwell et al. 2000, p. 125). This is true for many: because so much of our lives are spent inside schools, education is a relentlessly subjective construct that struggles against the weight of common experience to be seen objectively” (p. 3). References: Michael Polanyi and tacit knowledge (http://bit.ly/34ZZXN3) "Free School Teaching: Free School Teaching: A Journey Into Radical Progressive Education" by Kristan Accles Morrison (2007) (https://bit.ly/39X33EW) "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life" by Peter Gray (2015) (https://bit.ly/3qGXRuI) "Grow or Die: The Unifying Principle of Transformation" by George Land (1997) (https://amzn.to/2JO8StA) Michael Lipset of PassTell Stories (http://www.michaellipset.com/) Connect: Twitter (twitter.com/mjcraw) Website (mjcraw.com) Music from Digi G'Alessio CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 (https://bit.ly/2IyV71i)

The Mosaic Life Podcast with Trey Kauffman
Nir Eyal - Lessons on Becoming Indistractable & Choosing Your Life

The Mosaic Life Podcast with Trey Kauffman

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 65:28


“The overuse of technology is the symptom, not the sickness.”-Nir EyalNir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. Nir previously taught as a Lecturer in Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford.Nir co-founded and sold two tech companies since 2003 and was dubbed by The M.I.T. Technology Review as, “The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology.”He is the author of two bestselling books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life.Indistractable received critical acclaim, winning the Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award as well as being named one of the Best Business and Leadership Books of the Year by Amazon and one of the Best Personal Development Books of the Year by Audible. The Globe and Mail called Indistractable, “the best business book of 2019.”In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, Nir's writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Harvard Business Review, Time Magazine, and Psychology Today.Nir is also an active investor in habit-forming technologies. Some of his past investments include Eventbrite, Anchor.fm (acquired by Spotify), Kahoot!, Refresh.io (acquired by LinkedIn), Product Hunt, Marco Polo, Presence Learning, 7 Cups, Pana, Byte Foods, FocusMate, and Shadow.Nir attended The Stanford Graduate School of Business and Emory University.Connect with NirNirAndFar.com@neyal99 on Instagram@nireyal on TwitterJoin The Mosaic Life Circle to be the first to hear about new episode releases, exclusive Instagram content, and brand new merchandise deals!Timestamps00:02:43 Welcome, Nir!00:03:43 On Writing “Indistractable”00:06:45 Dealing with Changing Technology00:09:11 Why Would We Want Tech to Change?00:12:48 Time Management is Pain Management00:15:32 Sitting with Our Own Thoughts00:17:04 Psychological Safety in the Workplace00:26:07 Leadership Setting Expectations00:31:42 Being Indistractable in 202000:34:40 Mastering Internal Triggers00:36:52 The 10-Minute Rule00:40:45 Hedonic Adaptation00:44:30 Children & Boredom00:51:09 Teaching Kids to Self-Regulate with Technology00:57:18 What Nir is Currently Working On00:59:23 The Resources Nir is Looking For01:00:40 Nir's Life-Changing Book01:03:18 Thank You, Nir!Nir's Life-Changing Book“Hackers & Painters” by Paul GrahamBooks Mentioned“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker“Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!” by Richard Feynman“Factfulness” by Hans RoslingAdditional ResourcesIndistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your LifeHow to be More Productive and Focus (+ Free Schedule Maker)The Most Important Skill of the Future is Being ‘Indistractable'Learn How To Avoid Distraction In A World That Is Full Of ItStop Confusing Habits for Routines: What You Need To KnowGretchen Rubin BooksEpisode #58: Ashley Mead on The Mosaic Life PodcastSlackBoston Consulting Group (BCG)Acceptance and Commitment TherapyScience Magazine | People would rather be electrically shocked than left alone with their thoughtsSelf-determination Theory“Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life” by Peter GrayThe Social Dilemma on NetflixSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Made to Thrive Show
The Paleo Cardiologist, Dr Jack Wolfson, Speaks out on how to Prevent and Manage Heart Disease

The Made to Thrive Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 56:24


Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, author of the # 1 Amazon best-seller, The Paleo Cardiologist, as well as a  five-time winner of the Natural Choice Award as a Holistic M.D. Join us as we explore:How to look for truth in the world. Truth in health. And to find a better wayWhy the answer to health is not in a prescription bottle, injection or in pharmaceuticalsWhy sleep, sunshine, what you put in your mouth and avoiding toxins and EMFs are the key to good healthHow to raise free range kids with a free to learn ethosWhy CT scans cause heart disease, brain disease and cancerHRV as an indicator of healthHow pesticides are destroying our planet and our healthThe no 1 quickest and simplest hack for detoxThe microbiome of the mouth, the dangers of root canals and why your child may not need to go to the dentist if you live the right life!Join our community:Facebook MadeToThriveZA; SteveStavsZAInstagram SteveStavsZAMentionsBooksFree-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) by Lennore Skenazy https://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Raise-Self-Reliant-Children-Without-ebook/dp/B002NOGFGOFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Grayhttps://www.amazon.com/Free-Learn-Unleashing-Instinct-Self-Reliant/dp/0465025994Study establishing a clear link between agrochemicals and cardiovascular diseasehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772249/Study showing the link between pesticide exposure and cardiovascular disease in pre-menopausal womenhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150408131329.htmHow Pesticides, Plastics and Pollutants Lead to Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Dementiahttps://shop.thedrswolfson.com/products/how-pesticides-plastics-and-pollutants-lead-to-cardiovascular-disease-cancer-and-dementiaDr Jack Wolfson podcast with Dr. Jack Kruse:Neuro Surgeon by Day | Mito Hacker By Night | Dr. Jack Krusehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I537lQoiu5c&feature=youtu.beHealthyheartshow podcast https://thehealthyheartshow.com/https://thedrswolfson.com/Dr Wolfson's book: www.freeheartbook.com

Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota
31: Peter Gray - Free Play

Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2018 64:38


Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College who has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. He earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia College and Ph.D. in biological sciences, many years ago, at the Rockefeller University. His own current play includes kayaking, long distance bicycling, cross-country skiing, and vegetable gardening. https://letgrow.org/

The Luminous Mind Podcast | A show about you becoming your best self through unconventional thinking

The MOST downloaded Episode of 2017 was with Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology at Boston College. In this episode, Peter Gray gives a short yet powerful summary of his book, "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life." We talk about how important "free play" is to children in learning, healthy social growth, and gaining self-reliance. Thanks for putting The Luminous Mind in your ears, we appreciate your support through 2017! Show notes for Episode 173 Consider supporting our podcast on Patreon

Michael Covel's Trend Following
Ep. 415: Peter Gray Interview with Michael Covel on Trend Following Radio

Michael Covel's Trend Following

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2016 44:20


My guest today is Peter Gray, an American psychologist who currently occupies the position of research professor of psychology at Boston College. He is also a well known critic of standard learning systems, and calls himself an evolutionary developmental psychologist. He studies why children are the way they are by asking questions like: Why are children so playful? Why are they so willful? Why do children do what they do? The topic is his book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. In this episode of Trend Following Radio we discuss: Hunter gatherer cultures Self-reliance Evolution of development in youth Pros and cons of video games Ways of implicating free play back into society Jump in! --- I'm MICHAEL COVEL, the host of TREND FOLLOWING RADIO, and I'm proud to have delivered 10+ million podcast listens since 2012. Investments, economics, psychology, politics, decision-making, human behavior, entrepreneurship and trend following are all passionately explored and debated on my show. To start? I'd like to give you a great piece of advice you can use in your life and trading journey… cut your losses! You will find much more about that philosophy here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/trend/ You can watch a free video here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/video/ Can't get enough of this episode? You can choose from my thousand plus episodes here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/podcast My social media platforms: Twitter: @covel Facebook: @trendfollowing LinkedIn: @covel Instagram: @mikecovel Hope you enjoy my never-ending podcast conversation!

In Conversation: An OUP Podcast
Mohammad Khalil, “Islam and the Fate of Others: The Salvation Question” (Oxford UP, 2012)

In Conversation: An OUP Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2013 47:23


In his book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books, 2013), Peter Gray proposes the following big idea: we shouldn't force children to learn, rather we should allow them to play and learn by themselves. This, of course, is a radical proposal. But Peter points out that the play-and-learn-along-the-way style of education was practiced by humans for over 99% our history: hunter-gatherers did not have schools, but children in them somehow managed to learn everything they needed to be good members of their bands. Peter says we should take a page out of their book and points to a school that has done just that: The Sudbury Valley School. (BTW: Peter has some very thoughtful things to say about the way standard schools actually promote bullying and are powerless to prevent it or remedy it once it's happened. Listen in.)

salvation islam fate instinct basic books oxford up better students learn why unleashing more self reliant sudbury valley school play will make our children happier khalil islam btw peter
New Books in Psychology
Peter Gray, “Free to Learn” (Basic Books, 2013)

New Books in Psychology

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2013 66:26


In his book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books, 2013), Peter Gray proposes the following big idea: we shouldn't force children to learn, rather we should allow them to play and learn by themselves. This, of course, is a radical proposal. But Peter points out that the play-and-learn-along-the-way style of education was practiced by humans for over 99% our history: hunter-gatherers did not have schools, but children in them somehow managed to learn everything they needed to be good members of their bands. Peter says we should take a page out of their book and points to a school that has done just that: The Sudbury Valley School. (BTW: Peter has some very thoughtful things to say about the way standard schools actually promote bullying and are powerless to prevent it or remedy it once it's happened. Listen in.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology