Cover image: © UNICEF/UN

Play Matters

Play serves a physiologic function in human growth. Play helps kids learn how to navigate the world. Children acquire language and learning skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities through play. Early play-based learning lays the groundwork for all subsequent learning. In addition to being the cornerstones of attachment, belonging, mental health, growth mindset, collaborative ability, and the complete spectrum of 21st century skills, free play is also essential in the context of positive parenting and high-quality pre-school education. Play is an investment that we cannot afford to overlook. 

UNICEF aims to develop an online advocacy course to educate civil society organizations, parents/caregivers, educators, policymakers, and other advocacy networks, about the importance of play in childhood and early adolescence. This course will equip participants with evidence-based strategies to foster positive developmental outcomes, and advocate for play as a fundamental right for all children.

Learning objectives

The main objective of this online course is to promote a deeper understanding of the role of play in childhood and adolescence, exploring its impact on various aspects of development, and how to champion play as a right for every child.

Audience

  • Parents, caregivers, and family networks of kids 0-13 years 
  • Early childhood educators
  • Teachers and school administrators
  • Childcare providers
  • Health practitioners 
  • Community leaders and policymakers
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on child development and rights
  • Youth advocates

Length

8 modules with an average of 5-minute videos. It should take you about 50 minutes to complete this self-paced course. 

Methodology

This course is composed of an introduction, 8 modules (comprised of a short video and a quiz) and a conclusion. 

Structure

This course consists of the following sections: a course landing page, a course information page, followed by modules 1-8, and lastly a summary page. Each module consists of a module video, a Playback Quiz, a “Let’s Play!” activity and lastly a further reading section. 

Contact details

Content issues and questions: Oluwatosin Akingbulu (oakingbulu@unicef.org) and Victor Arkoh Acquaah (vacquaah@unicef.org)

Course and learner management: Oluwatosin Akingbulu (oakingbulu@unicef.org)

Additional course managers: Benjamin Perks (bperks@unicef.org), Radhika Mitter (rmitter@unicef.org)