April 2018: Play and the Learning Environment

This month we’re looking into the Library as Place category. The articles look at how we can design learning environments that are conducive to play.

Articles

Feinberg, Sandra. (2010). Designing Space for Children and Teens in Libraries and Public Places. Chapter 10: Play and the Learning Environment. pages 256 – 285. Available here: https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/53567_ch_10.pdf

Carly DauchMichelle ImwalleBrooke Ocasio, and Alexia E.Metz. The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play. Infant Behavior and Development. Volume 50, February 2018, Pages 78-87. Available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163638317301613?via%3Dihub

Discussion Group Meeting

Sunday, April 8th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The Vancouver group will be meeting at the Athlete’s Village Housing Co-op Common Room located at 151 W 1st Ave. Please email us for more details.

Discussion Questions

Here are some suggested discussion questions to think about when reading through the pieces.

Critical Appraisal:

  • What were the key objectives of the article? Are the objectives relevant to libraries?
  • What conclusions did the authors come to and were they just?
  • What were the strengths/weaknesses of the piece? (I.e. Was there bias? Did they use credible sources? Were their data gathering methods sound?)

Current Practice:

  • How can we design our library spaces to foster play?  Are there other ways we can foster play outside of the physical library space?
  • How might play look for different ages?
  • How do we use toys in the library?  How do we select toys to be used in the library?  How does the amount we provide compare with the amount suggested in the article?

Can’t Make It To the Meeting?

There’s lots of ways to get involved! Participate online: share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #lscjournalclub. Find a local group or try hosting a journal club meeting in your local community. Let us know about it so we can spread the word. If you set up a local group, test your presentation skills by leading the discussion.

Leave a comment here with any questions or your thoughts about the articles.

Reflection Pieces