Research conducted by faculty in the Institute of Child Development (ICD) is demonstrating the importance of play for learning, according to a new article in CE+HD’s Connect magazine. The story is one of three articles about play that appear in the magazine’s Spring/Summer 2017 issue.

The article highlighted a recent study by Stephanie Carlson, Ph.D., a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in ICD, and colleagues that examined the “Batman Effect,” or how impersonating superheroes during pretend play can help children be more controlled and objective.

The piece also discussed how experts at the Minnesota Children’s Museum are incorporating ICD research into their exhibit and experience designs. The university is part of a research advisory committee for the museum.

To learn more about how play impacts learning and how the Minnesota Children’s Museum is putting research into practice, read the full story, “The power of play,” or register for ICD’s Community Symposium on “The Importance of Play for Learning.” The symposium will take place on May 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center.