Dr Mariana Brussoni (Audio); Reimagining Play: The Role of Risk in Childhood Growth

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. 

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. 

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Embracing-Risky-Play-at-School-by-Megan-Zeni-Mariana-Brussoni/9780807783993?srsltid=AfmBOorD7mPo0kZ2_s2XXk8EVtwpTx24uOYOnp4TcWrWgPnyAsJydoL1

 summary

This conversation explores the importance of risky outdoor play for children's development, the societal shifts that have reduced play opportunities, and how rethinking our approach can benefit children's mental and physical health.

 keywords

risky play, childhood development, outdoor play, societal change, mental health, play safety, childhood devaluation

 key  topics

Definition and importance of risky play
Evolutionary and developmental benefits of risky play
Societal changes reducing outdoor play
Impact of reduced play on mental health
Strategies to promote safe risky play

 sound bites

"Children need micro doses of uncertainty to thrive"
"Urbanization and screens have reduced outdoor play"
"Society undervalues childhood and play"

Chapters (timings approx)

00:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development
02:44 Defining Risky Play and Its Benefits
05:34 Gender Differences in Risky Play
07:51 The Evolutionary Need for Risky Play
10:33 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting
13:18 Societal Changes and Fear of Risky Play
16:07 Structured Activities vs. Free Play
18:39 Access to Play for Lower-Income Families
21:27 The Value of Play in Education
23:48 Reimagining Play in Schools
26:29 Addressing ADHD and Learning Challenges
29:17 The Role of Adults in Managing Play
31:44 Finding Joy and Fun in Play
34:40 Encouraging Adult Playfulness

 resources

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program - https://www.opalexplorenature.org/
Stuart Brown's work on play - https://www.amazon.com/Play-How-It-Makes-Us-Human/dp/031236553X
Ellen Sandsetter's research on risky play - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ellen-Sandseter
British Columbia's Children's Hospital - https://www.bcchildrens.ca/

 guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-brussoni/