National Institute of Play

One World Futbol: Where Do The Children Play? Anywhere.

June 1, 2011 by Amy Jussel Leave a Comment

Update: July 13, 2014 World Cup Finals! Congratulations to Germany, who just won in extra time against Argentina to take the honor at The World Cup 2014. From media literacy lessons on what's left out in news coverage, showing a brighter side of Rio vs the underbelly of tough truths (expecting even more 'best foot forward' coverage for the 2016 Olympics ahead) to the heartening … [Read more...]

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AHA & Nintendo: Tag-Teaming Innovation To Get Kids Moving (Pt2)

February 3, 2011 by Amy Jussel 5 Comments

Feb 3, 2011 When I was invited to attend the “Power of Active Play” summit hosted by the American Heart Association and Nintendo, my synapses were firing in Howard Rheingold mode, wondering if this convening was going to be a glorified commercial for the gamification of life. I may not be wearing the same rose-colored shades of Jane McGonigal’s Wall Street Journal article … [Read more...]

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Power of Play Series: (Pt 1) Play Works!

January 29, 2011 by Amy Jussel 15 Comments

Jan. 29, 2011 No doubt about it, I need more PLAY in my life. You? I'm rereading Dr. Stuart Brown's Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination & Invigorates the Soul and following the "Recess Counts" Twitter stream w/newsy tidbits like ChicagoTrib's "How Cold is Too Cold for Recess?" noting the logical bridges between outdoor fun and indoor exergaming that fit … [Read more...]

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Babies Movie: Through The Lens of a Young Teen

May 11, 2010 by Amy Jussel 15 Comments

May 11, 2010 I tried to warn her, “This isn’t some wham- bam fast-paced action thriller or rom-com dramedy, but Babies IS my movie choice for Mother’s Day, ok?” In preparation, I showed her the Babies trailer (after the jump) and the short little ‘featurette’ so she’d know there wouldn’t be ‘much of a plot line’ but more of an editorial commentary as seen through the eyes … [Read more...]

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“Bring Your Baby to Life With Your Wii Remote?”

November 2, 2009 by Amy Jussel 4 Comments

Nov. 2, 2009 Not sure which part of this creeps me out more, the fact that 21st century baby dolls have a Wiimote crammed up the wazoo to ‘bring the baby to life’ as a Wii system accessory, the passive pink gender cues for girls and total absence of boys as video parenting poppas, or the product picture being a dead-ringer look alike of my own offspring at that age. Ewww all … [Read more...]

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