Last friday I attented a festival called ‘Let’s Play Innovation’ in The Netherlands, about the link between Playfulness and Innovation. Very interesting day with lots of Playshops to get a taste of different methods and insights of Playful Learning.
In the morning, I participated in a Serious Lego Play workshop. We were asked to build a bridge with for each participant the same set of Lego. The outcomes were as different as people can differ. Then we were asked to make a model from instructions. I enjoyed trying to get it right as fast as possible. Then we were asked to change our fixed model into something else that looked like a mother in law from hell. Now we really got into it (although my real Mother in Law is more of an Angel). Our creative minds were triggered. Giving meaning to our models in explaining the different bits and parts created mental attachment to our model. Even more so, when we were asked to make a personal model of ‘Serious Play’, the theme of the day. Here’s mine:
The swing represents Playfulness. It can be hanged anywhere, at home, in business, with friends. And being on the swing with others makes it even more fun and connecting. A swing is fun, as long as it’s in motion. So if you get stuck, find playfulness to get you unstuck…something like that.
Talking about our models of ‘Serious Play’with my group deepened our conversation and understanding of eachothers point of view. And because we played together, I felt closer to my groupmembers than to other people in the room. Play connects (but that I already knew).
With Playful greetings,
Annemarie Steen
Annemarie Steen 