Overview
Play Times is published monthly with three sections in each issue: (1) a “Play Note” summarizing current scientific knowledge about a specific aspect of play, this month we cover teenager play (2) profile of a play scientist or expert, this month Peter Gray and (3) news items with links to current issues of four play journals. Here are prior issues of Play Times.
Play Note: Do Your Teenagers Know What Their Play Is?
Adolescents often lack awareness of their intrinsic play—activities that bring deep satisfaction and engagement. Play fosters resilience, and emotional well-being, yet many teens, preoccupied with external pressures, have lost touch with it. An informal NIFPlay study found that only one in fifteen high schoolers recognized their play. Parents, educators, and mentors can help teens rediscover play by providing more independence, and reducing academic pressures.
Profile: Peter Gray
We are profiling Dr. Peter Gray again this month because of his passionate work to reduce the rise in children and adolescent mental health issues. All parents need to understand what he is saying about giving young people independence to follow their intrinsic motivators i.e., to play. NIFPlay is working with Dr. Gray to encourage Pediatricians and Child Therapists to tell parents about how play can help their children.
Play News and Updates
March 25 Webinar with Dr. Brown
Dr. Brown will be interviewed by Elaine Chung on the topic of Play as a healing modality – A Playful Path to Bridging Divides and Strengthening Bonds. Save the time, March 25, 2025 at 2:00pm PT; we’ll send you an invitation in advance. Let friends know to subscribe to receive the invitation.
A Conference to Make Education More Playful
Playposium is a gathering for transforming education through playful pedagogy. Learn new skills, challenge old ideas and contribute to a better understanding of how play can change lives. Playposium 2024 was a rousing success! Thanks to the Unlikely Collaborators Foundation Playposium 2025 (June 23-26) will be even better. Maybe even consider proposing a session.
Check Out our Podcasts
Every month, our Play Notes are transformed into podcasts so you can listen to them on the go. They’re all here on our Soundcloud channel.
Youthful Hobbies May Still be Playful.
If you found our January Play Note on Adult Play valuable, check out, “Adults may want to consider revisiting their childhood hobbies” Dr. Brown is quoted in the article.
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Current Issues of Play Journals
- American Journal of Play – 2024 Issues 2&3
- International Journal of Play – 2024 Issue 4
- Int’l Journal of Play Therapy – 2025 Issue 1
- Journal of Play in Adulthood – 2024 Issue 1
- International Journal of Playwork Pract
