A DISCOVERY playground event has given young people a fresh take on learning.
The Child's Play: Discovery Playground event took place in Peel Park, Bradford, with children aged five to 14 taking part in hands-on play and learning activities.
Organised by the University of Bradford in partnership with Play Bradford and Bradford Council's Holiday Activities and Food programme (#HAF), the event aimed to showcase the university’s research into children’s play, health and wellbeing through interactive experiences.
Dr Anna Chalkley, senior research fellow in school-based physical activity and knowledge exchange at the University of Bradford, said: "There are a number of ways to help children and young people of all ages spend less time on their screens and more time having fun and being active.
"Young children could take part in five muddy minutes.
"Take some pots, containers, spoons, water out into the yard or the garden and let them have fun in the dirt.
"For older children, take part in running and jumping races, throwing and an obstacle course.
"Teenagers are more likely to take part if you let them choose the activities, such as a family bike ride, picnic, or walk."
Children and young people have fun outdoors during ‘Child’s Play: Discovery Playground’ held in Peel Park, Bradford
(Image: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford)
The event, held on Tuesday, August 18, included activities such as building and racing toy cars, designing "positive pebbles," playing in a mud kitchen and taking part in a "Wonky Olympics" theatrical act.
University of Bradford researchers used the event to demonstrate how play supports children’s development and wellbeing, and to highlight their broader work to improve young people’s lives.
The university is currently working with more than 30,000 children through its Creating Active Schools programme, which promotes movement and exercise throughout the school day.
Children and young people have fun outdoors during ‘Child’s Play: Discovery Playground’ held in Peel Park, Bradford
(Image: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford)
It is also in the process of establishing a research centre focused on young people’s mental health.
This theme will be explored in the university’s upcoming 6 Decades Lecture, titled Children and Young People's Mental Health: Why Prevention Matters.
The event, part of the university’s 60th anniversary celebrations, will take place on Wednesday, September 23, from 1pm to 2.30pm, both on campus and online.
Children and young people have fun outdoors during ‘Child’s Play: Discovery Playground’ held in Peel Park, Bradford
(Image: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford)
Researchers from the NIHR-funded Bradford Mental Health Research Centre will discuss current challenges in young people’s mental health, the importance of prevention, and how families, schools, communities and policy can support wellbeing.
Members of the public can register for the event through the university’s website.
The University of Bradford currently has places available through Clearing on programmes including BSc (Hons) Psychology, with applications open via its phone line or website.