How imaginary worlds help kids learn

Name: How imaginary worlds help kids learn
Uploaded: 2026-10-08T14:54:07Z
Duration: 11 min 47 s
Description: All children develop at different paces — so why do schools expect every student to learn the same way? Early education researcher Anna Rainio introduces "playworlds," a learning activity where adults and kids create imaginary stories together. She shows how pretend play helps students find their place — and the power of a teacher or parent starting with a simple question: Why not?

Anna Rainio |

Play@TED

• May 2026

All children develop at different paces — so why do schools expect every student to learn the same way? Early education researcher Anna Rainio introduces "playworlds," a learning activity where adults and kids create imaginary stories together. She shows how pretend play helps students find their place — and the power of a teacher or parent starting with a simple question: Why not?