Play and Imitation

How children learn through the inspiration of others and the creation of their own worlds

Play
The Universality of Sport and Play

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on February 18, 2026

Many aspects of play—including organized sports—are universal. A trip abroad for my daughter's soccer team illustrated the power of play to unite girls from disparate cultures.

Many aspects of play—including organized sports—are universal. A trip abroad for my daughter's soccer team illustrated the power of play to unite girls from disparate cultures.

Child Development
Imitation of Inefficient Tool Use in a Speeded Task

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on May 16, 2025

When a model intentionally used an inefficient tool, so did many 4- and 5-year-olds. But when asked to complete the task "as fast as possible," most chose the more efficient option

When a model intentionally used an inefficient tool, so did many 4- and 5-year-olds. But when asked to complete the task "as fast as possible," most chose the more efficient option

Play with a hospital theme at Tokyo's Kidzania
Play
Cultural Differences in Play

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on August 26, 2024

Observations of play in Tokyo revealed that Japanese children tended to engage in more rule-based, academic play than is typical among American children.

Observations of play in Tokyo revealed that Japanese children tended to engage in more rule-based, academic play than is typical among American children.

Education
Observing Children at Play in Japan

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on June 18, 2024

A trip to Japan to observe children at play confirmed previous findings that play in that country is dominated by structure and themes rather than creativity and free thinking.

A trip to Japan to observe children at play confirmed previous findings that play in that country is dominated by structure and themes rather than creativity and free thinking.

Child Development
Conventional Language Motivates Imitation, to an Extent

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on May 1, 2024

Conventional language influences the initial imitation of a model's use of an inefficient tool. But a pressured task decreases children's willingness to copy inefficient actions.

Conventional language influences the initial imitation of a model's use of an inefficient tool. But a pressured task decreases children's willingness to copy inefficient actions.

Bullying
Fighting Back: Bullying Among Female Athletes

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on December 11, 2023

Bullying is a consistent problem for adolescent female athletes. Players and coaches must confront the issue to improve team cohesion and performance.

Bullying is a consistent problem for adolescent female athletes. Players and coaches must confront the issue to improve team cohesion and performance.

Play
A Physical Disability Does Not Have to Limit Play

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on October 26, 2023

A physical disability may limit play, but if a child or an adult maintains an appetite for fun, their playfulness can bring joy to themselves and everyone around them.

A physical disability may limit play, but if a child or an adult maintains an appetite for fun, their playfulness can bring joy to themselves and everyone around them.

Environment
Get Outside and Play (and Learn!)

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on May 12, 2023

Compared to those who do not, children who attend outdoor education classes are more curious, take more risks, and are more connected to nature.

Compared to those who do not, children who attend outdoor education classes are more curious, take more risks, and are more connected to nature.

Education
Benefits of an Outdoor Education Class

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on December 16, 2022

Are outdoor education classes beneficial? A study of a six-week-long outdoor education course examined behaviors such as self-regulation and risk-taking among participants.

Are outdoor education classes beneficial? A study of a six-week-long outdoor education course examined behaviors such as self-regulation and risk-taking among participants.

Play
Never Too Old to Play

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on September 6, 2022

Adults today don't take enough time to "play," despite the fact that playtime is beneficial for individuals of all ages.

Adults today don't take enough time to "play," despite the fact that playtime is beneficial for individuals of all ages.

Play
Lessons on Play From Those Who Do It Well: Swedish Children

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on June 15, 2022

In a world riddled with violence, pandemics, and uncertainty, making time and space for play is more important than ever. Americans could learn some valuable lessons from Swedes.

In a world riddled with violence, pandemics, and uncertainty, making time and space for play is more important than ever. Americans could learn some valuable lessons from Swedes.

Play
A Visit to a Swedish Preschool

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on May 26, 2022

Does playing outside - rain or shine - benefit children? A visit to a Swedish forest school certainly seems to suggest so.

Does playing outside - rain or shine - benefit children? A visit to a Swedish forest school certainly seems to suggest so.

Play
When Children Are Given Time to Play

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on March 17, 2022

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes," a Swedish adage and book by the corresponding name has important lessons for U.S. teachers, parents, and administrators.

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes," a Swedish adage and book by the corresponding name has important lessons for U.S. teachers, parents, and administrators.

Motivation
The Value of Defeat

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on January 7, 2022

As my 8-year-old son's soccer team lost games week after week, they all learned how to turn "L's" into "W's"—in more ways than one.

As my 8-year-old son's soccer team lost games week after week, they all learned how to turn "L's" into "W's"—in more ways than one.

Possible options for a cookie-crushing task; the inefficient tool is on the right.
Trust
To Trust or Not to Trust

Cara DiYanni Ph.D. on December 2, 2021

In a world full of misinformation and fake news, whom do we trust? It is essential that parents take note of their children's willingness to accept information from others.

In a world full of misinformation and fake news, whom do we trust? It is essential that parents take note of their children's willingness to accept information from others.

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