At Fact Forward, we stand out with our unique approach to tackling misinformation in children through Play and Learn activities. These activities not only raise awareness about the dangers of misinformation both online and offline, but they also equip young learners with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape. Learning should be fun, and our Play and Learn approach ensures that children have a great time while developing essential skills.
Our program is designed to overcome barriers related to individual opinions, traditions, myths, religious ideologies, and worldviews by creating a safe and inclusive environment for children and youth to have an open learning environment. Through our outdoor activities, participants engage in play that fosters open communication and active listening, enhancing their understanding of diverse perspectives, which is a key element in tackling misinformation from an early age.
Research shows that play is not just fun; it’s also a powerful tool for learning. It improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people. Through play, children learn about the world and themselves, acquiring essential skills for study, work, and building relationships, including problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy. These skills boost their confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and curiosity from an early age.
Play is not just a pastime; it’s a powerful tool for understanding and addressing misinformation. Studies indicate that play-based learning can increase problem-solving abilities by 45%. Additionally, 70% of teachers report improved classroom behaviour when incorporating play-based learning. Therefore, play-based learning is crucial. By engaging in play, children learn valuable life and work lessons, which they carry into adulthood, including how to discern what is right and what is wrong.
Learning through play is vital for children’s development, helping them to cultivate skills essential for their futures, such as social skills, cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. The more children engage in play during early childhood, the better prepared they will be to face the challenges of the world. Our Play and Learn activities aim to achieve the following common goals: