At Archaeodiscovery we really believe in the importance of play-based learning and we pride ourselves in delivering:
Seriously playful archaeology experiences for curious children and adults.
With our playful and participatory approach we want to move away from a dusty and sometimes unapproachable archaeology façade to prove that archaeology can be for everyone!
And we're not alone in believing in the importance of play!
Campaigners studying play and childhood are calling for a major focus on REVIVING PLAY IN SCHOOLS to tackle an “escalating crisis” in child mental and physical health. And it is not just children that need play, ADULTS BENEFIT FROM IT TOO!
“Nothing, lights up the brain like play.” - Dr Stuart Brown
Indeed we feel strongly that archaeology can offer an antidote to modern living.
We live in a world where the pace of life is rapid but we are often static and disconnected, where we are bombarded with information. Archaeology as a form of nature education can help us to slow down, connect with our bodies, access nature and heritage, and prioritise play.
When was the last time you lost yourself in play?
Archaeodiscovery exists to create conditions and spaces where people feel free to push back against these pressures. We explore the barriers that prevent people from accessing archaeology, nature, and playing together and seek to provide environments and invitations that inspire free, adventurous and challenging play.
Play is at the heart of what we do; we design playful archaeological resources and activity boxes, orchestrate games of hide-and-seek on hillforts, create mysterious treasure hunts in museums and interactive spaces at heritage sites. We’re committed advocates to the power of play and strive for a future where play is central to everything we do, for both children and adults.
"Play is the opportunity to try out all possibilities, to test the limits, gather experience, learn – and it’s not just restricted to children" -Günter Beltzig
But why are we so committed to play?
We see play, nature and archaeology as a powerful tool in tackling the meta crisis. Joy and connectedness are born from play, creativity and imagination, and the positive memories which bind us together are usually made through playful interactions.
Access and creativity in natural spaces and the historic environment are powerful players in confronting heritage crime and the climate crisis. Young people who have grown up with the nature as their playground, with practical heritage experiences and access to authentic materials, will grow into greater custodians of the past with a greater sense of climate justice.
Feelings of ownership and belonging of place instils us with a desire to nurture and protect, whilst a playfully engaged brain – one capable of imagining a brave new world – is infinitely more likely to go on to create one.
"Our aim is to spark wonder in the world around us, through play, exploration, and archaeology. We're here to encourage the curious thinkers of the future!"