This International Day Of Education, we’re going to take a look at the campaign for education worldwide and also explore how dolls prams can play a role in early development.
As a retailer of children’s toys and a toy that we see bring many educational benefits for young children, we take a keen interest in education and how the freedom to play is crucial for healthy development.
What Is International Day Of Education?
International Day Of Education is an observation day recognised around the world. A day dedicated to education, the date is fairly new, having been declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) back in 2018.
Observed on the 24th of January each year, the day is dedicated to not only education in general but also the vital role education plays in bringing global peace and sustainable development.
A core message of International Day Of Education is that education is a “human right, a public good and a public responsibility”. Everyone has a role to play in helping bring education to those who cannot access it and supporting education for those who can.
Without access to education and lifelong opportunities, people will not be able to achieve gender equality and the ability to escape poverty. This is especially important in developing countries.
According to UNESCO, 250 million children don’t regularly attend school and 763 million adults are illiterate. In 2024, this is unacceptable – hence why everyone must work harder to make education accessible to all.
There is a different theme for each International Day Of Education. 2024 is ‘learning for lasting peace’. This theme was chosen in response to the rising number of conflicts across the world, and a rise in racism and discrimination.
To support ‘learning for lasting peace’, educators have a vital role to play in raising children with the right values and attitudes.
Education & Play
There is a strong link between education and play for children and young people. Play can be educational, support healthy development and also encourage further learning.
Learning through play comes in many forms but something we’re always keen to talk about at Play Like Mum is the link between imaginative play and education.
Imaginative play is so much more than fun and games and has been proven to have many benefits for young children.
Through imaginative play, children learn practical and social skills, how to share with others, and experience emotional development.
Here are just a few more benefits of imaginative play:
- Develop bonds between those who play together
- Sparks creativity
- Helps nurture independence
- Improves academic skills
- Practice negotiation and sharing skills
- Explore feelings and aid emotional development
- Improve focus and concentration
- Establish problem-solving skills
- Develop language skills
Looking at the benefits above, you can see how imaginative play is both educational in itself and also helps support further learning by helping children develop skills that are vital for education, such as language and the ability to focus.
Encouraging Imaginative Play To Support Education
Because it’s usually technology-free and doesn’t require access to expensive equipment, imaginative play is accessible to all. It’s also universal – imaginative play is something children around the world participate in.
Just take a look at our series of photographs from around the world that showcase children playing without technology.
Because imaginative play is self-generated, young children may need a little bit of encouragement to start playing. This can be done by giving prompts or using simple toys such as wooden blocks. As children grow older, their imagination is boosted by experience, and they should be able to play independently.
The Link Between Dolls Prams And International Day Of Education
As a retailer of dolls prams, Play Like Mum is versed in the educational benefits that playing with a doll pram can have for children. Dolls prams are also a pretty universal toy, enjoyed by children around the world.
Playing with a dolls pram is a form of imaginative play that usually takes the form of role-playing. Children copy their parents and play with a doll and a dolls pram replicates what children see around them.
Playing with dolls prams and pushchairs lets children act out caregiving skills, learn about responsibility, and develop their nurturing side. When playing with other children, they will also learn about shared responsibility. We see these skills as being directly linked and relevant to the theme of International Day Of Education – ‘learning for lasting peace’.
Raising children who are caring and keen to nurture those around them, particularly others who are more vulnerable will result in adults who hold these same values.