On Wednesday, November 28from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, The Encompass Community at Friends Academy, 1088 Tucker Road in North Dartmouth, will host guest speaker, Peter Gray, for a presentation and discussion about Self-Directed Learning and the importance of play throughout childhood.
Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College who has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so.
Gray has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn for Psychology Today magazine.
Gray is a founding member and president of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE), which is aimed at creating a world in which children’s natural ways of learning are facilitated rather than suppressed. He is also a founding member and a director of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children’s freedom to play and explore outdoors, independently of adults. He earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia College and Ph.D. in biological sciences at the Rockefeller University many years ago. His own current play includes kayaking, long distance bicycling, backwoods skiing, and vegetable gardening.
This event is free, but donations are graciously accepted. Childcare for ages 4+ will be provided. Family-friendly art activities for children will be available in the adjoining room.
Please register for this event at: encompasscommunityforindependentlearning.campbrainregistration.com/
For more information, contact egouveia@friendsacademy1810.org.
The Encompass Community is a grant-funded initiative of the Center For Education Innovation. They are located on 65 acres of wilderness at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, Ma. They offer enrichment and resources to homeschool families and life-long learners of all ages.