Outdorable brings to you our third episode of the ‘Power of Play’ series with Nathan Wallis, Open-Ended and Child-Led Play.

Watch the Video: Nathan Wallis with Outdorable on Open-Ended Play
Play-Based Learning: What The Research Says — Nathan Wallis explores how open-ended activities fuel imagination, autonomy, and deeper learning.

What This Is About
In this video, neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis explains why open-ended activities are essential for meaningful learning. Unlike tasks with only one correct outcome, open-ended experiences offer multiple pathways and possibilities. This freedom fosters a sense of discovery, encourages autonomy, and allows children to exercise the dispositions that lead to lifelong learning.
Imagination plays a central role here. It’s the child’s internal system for trial and error, exploration, and problem solving — all key components of intelligence. When activities are too prescriptive, they can inhibit this natural process, limiting creativity and reducing opportunities for success.
Open-ended play invites children to think flexibly, take risks, and engage deeply. It’s not just about what they create — it’s about how they think, feel, and grow along the way.