14 Jun Celebrating the First International Day of Play – 11 June 2024

Play isn’t just fun, it’s the key to children’s learning and well-being.

Most people know play is fun. But few people know that play is actually key to children’s learning, well-being, and development.

The Farmhouse joined people around the world in celebrating the first International Day of Play on June 11, to raise awareness of the importance of play in children’s lives and ensure that every child can realize their right to play.

Fred Rogers, an American television host, famously once said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

But a recent global study across 36 countries indicates that 78% of children say adults do not always think playing is important. Further, 73% of children do not believe adults take play, and how it can help them learn, seriously.

Global education experts increasingly stress the importance of play in making learning engaging, combating learning loss, and helping children overcome trauma and stress. In a recent article by the Brookings Institution global education experts noted that “Play is fundamentally important for 21st century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and more. Further, it can relieve stress and support emotional regulation. Play is not just for children – evidence indicates that it is critical for adults too.”

The International Day of Play was declared by the United Nations in March this year with 140 member states supporting. “Through play, children explore and understand the world, learn how to collaborate and empathize with others, build the confidence to claim their rights, and develop a lifelong love of learning,” says Susan McIsaac, President & CEO of Right To Play International, Canada.

The ability to play harnesses the power of play to protect, educate, and empower millions of children each year to rise above adversity. Celebrating this, the first International Day of Play, gives global legitimacy to what children have always known: that play is a transformative force in their lives, and that every child should have the right to play.