Sweta Shah

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Articles

An ode to joy: Advances in Playful Learning

2 weeks ago | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

June 11 marks the second annual International Day of Play. It reinforces the latest data from the science of learning: Free play and playful learning should be intertwined into children’s lives so that they can flourish academically and socially while becoming collaborative, critical thinkers, creative innovators and citizens of tomorrow.
More babies, but less support for families? How ironic.

1 month ago | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

The Trump administration wants to incentivize a baby boom by offering a $5,000 cash “baby bonus” for every mother who gives birth. Ironically, the administration is also proposing federal cuts to family-friendly programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Head Start, and more.
The 2024 G20 Summit: An inflection point for young children around the world?

Nov 13, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Ben Hewitt

When G20 leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro, they have an opportunity to accelerate progress toward fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality by investing more in comprehensive policies for young children. Evidence shows that investing in young children is critical to achieving these goals, and as the host of the G20, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has put this fight at the forefront of the summit’s global agenda.
An SOS to the incoming administration for America’s children and families

Nov 8, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

Children do not vote, so it is easy to deprioritize their needs. But adults in their families do, and many of them hope Donald Trump and the Republican party can reduce financial burdens so that they can comfortably raise children. President-elect Trump will now have a chance to push legislation through Congress that can lower prices for all Americans and especially working families.
Keeping children’s learning out of the crossfire in conflict is our duty

Sep 6, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah

Around the world—in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan and more—over 400 million, or about 1 in every 5 children are caught in the crossfire of conflict. They are innocent victims, caught in something they did not start and something they can’t control. The average large-scale humanitarian crisis lasts about a decade and the average length of displacement is now —a full childhood. For these children, education can be a lifeline, but it is often under attack.
Learning and healing through play in humanitarian crises

Jun 20, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah

Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity. Kay Redfield Jamison Crisis contexts, whether due to conflict, economic or political upheaval, climate change or natural hazards, impact young children in myriad ways. They can displace children from their homes, cut off access to education, health, nutritious food, and other services, and impact them psychologically and emotionally.
Why play is serious work

May 2, 2024 | brookings.edu | Kathy Hirsh-Pasek |Rebecca Winthrop |Sweta Shah

On March 26, the United Nations declared an international day of play to take place annually on June 11th. With over 140 countries as partners, this announcement cements not only every child’s Right to Play, but also highlights the many benefits of play for children and adults alike. Play, whether structured or unstructured, is often considered frivolous and not taken seriously.