Stand For Play

There’s a problem with play. Everyone likes it. It’s like s’mores wrapped in ice cream wrapped in summer holidays. Yet play — the open-ended, unstructured, free-from-rules-and-goals kind of play — is on the decline. And that’s a problem for all of us.

Let’s take a stand for play together.

The free poster giveaway has ended, but you can still download and print your own!

How it works

Taking a stand is easy. Just follow these steps to get a poster and join in.

Kids, parents and families share how they're standing up for play.

Free play can contribute significantly to the social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. It allows kids to practice life skills such as conflict resolution, cooperation, sharing and problem solving. (Thian 2006)

Toca Boca believes open-ended play is the best way for kids to learn about the world.

  • No rules, scores, timers or levels. The only goal is to play.

  • Digital toys and experiences built from the kids' perspective.

  • No third-party ads or in-app purchases.

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics (2009): School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior, Pediatrics, 123:2, 431-436
Kyung Hee Kim (2011): The Creativity Crisis: The Decrease in Creative Thinking Scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, Creativity Research Journal, 23:4, 285-295
Peter Gray (2014): The Decline of Play and the Rise of Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents, American Journal of Play, 3:4, 443-463
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2010): Survey, The State of Play
Deidre Thian (2006): The Importance of Play, Curriculum & Leadership Journal, 4:24