The MU News Bureau named unstructured playtime as the best summer activity for children in an e-mail it sent out last week.
The e-mail said, “A lack of unstructured playtime might be the reason today’s young adults have trouble with problem-solving or critical thinking.” The e-mail cited Lea Ann Lowery, an MU School of Health Professions clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy, who explained how playtime encourages the development of some life skills.
The e-mail also noted Lowery’s concern for some of the trends children display while spending their free times with things like electronics that may hinder their creativity. However, Lowery believes unstructured playtime counters this problem by encouraging creativity.
