As a child psychiatrist, I know it’s critical for kindergartens to embrace playful learning

By Jean Clinton, Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, McMaster University

Think back to one of your fondest memories of play. Where were you, who were you with, what powers did you pretend to have? Would you like to go back there if you could, if only for a moment?

Unfortunately, fewer and fewer children are having the opportunity to have experiences like this, which is disturbing for many reasons.

Key among these is that play makes children (and people of all ages) happy, and our society is seeing…

Read complete article

~	Andy and the Odd Socks: how a rock concert for kids sends a powerful message about social identity

~	Four myths about vertical farming debunked by an expert

~	Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid: an invigorating romp that cleaves to the real history of Macbeth’s wife

~	What your feet can tell you about your health

~	Many old books contain toxic chemicals – here’s how to spot them

~	Russia has tightened its hold over the Sahel region – and now it’s looking to Africa’s west coast

~	Electric cars pile up at European ports as Chinese firms struggle to find buyers

~	Is the Rwanda plan acting as a deterrent? Here’s what the evidence says about this approach

~	What do the Turkish local elections mean for the country’s 4 million refugees?

~	Wild bees are under threat from domestic bees, invasive species, pathogens and climate change — but we can help