creativity, 21st century education and toys as the new text books
there have been countless debates about what should and needs to change in the education system today – given where we are and given the future. even in...
The bloon लोग
A community space for our Bloon Log… anyone interested in alternative education, learning, design - keep an eye out here for interesting things we find out about and want to share, inspiring people we talk to, behind the scenes design stories, or events we’re hosting, new launches etcetera :)
too many toys: gifts and thoughts for kids who (seem) to have it all
we’ve all noticed that kids today have WAY more toys than we ever did. and although an instinct, urge, need to pamper tells us to buy the newest, cutest,...
trustful parenting - peter gray
psychologist and evolutionary biologist peter gray, has long been a proponent of “trustful parenting”. in an article for psychology today, he talks about the various parenting styles, the importance and...
why all the fuss about wood or why natural materials make better toys than plastic ones
many parents today are opting for eco toys, wooden toys and toys made from other natural materials - but why are they so good and what's all the fuss about? read...
the direct link between play in childhood and survival in a future of automation
It may seem outrageous to draw a link between free play, imagination, and creativity in childhood and survival in the future. but it’s real, and has in various ways been written about...
Why the Waldorf inspired Bloon Toys Curvy Board is a favourite toy across ages!
The Waldorf inspired bloon toys curvy board is a dynamic open ended toy that is used in various ways by children of different ages. While it works on the sense...
building a space for self directed play at home
here’s a quick guide to creating a self directed play space at home. it doesn’t take a lot – small changes to the environment and some mindfulness on ones’ own...
9 benefits of self-directed free play
free play has lots and lots of benefits. it’s being seen now as the primary tool for evolution and learning. we’ve put down some of it’s benefits for you to...
what is self-directed free play, and why is it so elusive?
self directed play is a primary tool for evolution, a boon for parents (when their kids occupy themselves) and a joy for children. still somehow, it remains elusive... why? and...
new york times - taking "play" seriously
more than being about toys or a specific activity, play is a state of mind that can be nurtured to fully unleash its potential by balanced parenting and careful schooling...
first LEGO school opens in denmark!
the toymaker has funded a school based on the principles of freedom and play, featuring a creator space for kindergarteners!
the future of jobs: world economic forum
the world is changing - the future of jobs reports shows us how, and points to key skills that may be required to flourish in the future.
rhythm in steiner schools, an all important 'R'
people often wonder why steiner school students are so thoughtful, reflective, creative and independent in their thinking. this is perhaps the reason steve jobs chose a waldorf school for his...
dr. stuart brown: the sea squirt who lost his play
an excerpt from dr. stuart brown's book 'play' which talks about the link between 'play' and having a functional brain.
new york times: let children get bored again!
boredom teaches us that life isn’t a parade of amusements. More important, it spawns creativity and self-sufficiency.