Educator Pierre Harrison said the critical role of learning through play during a Radio-Canada Matin du Nord segment on June 11 [1].
The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize child-led exploration over structured instruction to foster cognitive and social development in early childhood.
Speaking from the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury in Ontario, Harrison said how autonomous play allows children to think and learn naturally [2]. The interview coincided with International Play Day, an event observed on June 11, 2026 [3]. This year marks the second edition of the day [3].
The initiative aims to promote the theme “Protect play, protect childhood” [4]. By advocating for the right to play, the event seeks to ensure that children have the space and time to engage in unstructured activities without constant adult intervention.
International Play Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations in 2024 [3]. The global recognition of the day serves as a reminder that play is not merely a leisure activity, but a fundamental right and a primary vehicle for education [4].
Harrison's insights in Sudbury align with the broader goals of the UN proclamation, highlighting that the ability to play autonomously is essential for a child's growth [2]. The segment encouraged parents and educators to recognize play as a legitimate form of learning that supports long-term academic and emotional success [1].
“Protect play, protect childhood”
The transition of play from a casual activity to a UN-recognized right reflects a shifting pedagogical approach toward early childhood education. By emphasizing autonomous play, educators are pushing back against the trend of hyper-scheduled childhoods, suggesting that cognitive resilience is built through self-directed discovery rather than rigid curricula.
