Imaginary Friends: Evan Kidd at TEDxSydney

In an enlightening and persuasive talk, psychologist Evan Kidd argues that we need to start taking play more seriously. He explains how children with imaginary friends are more creative and socially competent, and demonstrates that schools with play-based learning can improve the creativity of children.
Psychologist Evan Kidd is currently a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The Australian National University in Canberra. He teaches and conducts research on language acquisition and children's play, which is how he regularly meets the imaginary friends of children.
TEDxSydney 2012 took place on Saturday 26 May 2012 at Carriageworks. Tens of thousands of people enjoyed the day: 800 in the theatre, over 1,000 via big screen simulcast in The Forum, many thousands online via KZbin and ABC Big Ideas ... and up to 80,000 tuning in to ABC Radio National.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

[@jasonkempdialog]

This is a wide ranging talk that will be of interest to educators and hopefully to policy makers as well. We need to allow kids to play and imagine and not squeeze this extra learning time out of their school day. Evan refers to some studies which help provide a wider context to the positive benefits or open ended exploration or as the kids know it "play".

[@itsviral6754]

I do the same i give speech or advice to an imaginary group of people and even have hand gestures. Or imagine talking a class where i am teaching people something ( usually new things that i learned recently )

[@topramen1694]

Hahaha same here. I imagine I'm somehow an expert and teach random people with great confidence. Thank you for your comment.

[@evijacobs548]

Same here

[@asiam5603]

Same!!!!

[@missyclark4722]

My daughter has a "fairy" named "Una" I had a friend named "Googa". Children are funny

[@mynamegoshere1]

Why isn't this concept of theory of mind taught in grades k-2 or 3?!?! It sounds like this would be a great way to help with the growing mental issue in America.

[@marktrader490]

Did he just say, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?"

[@XenogeneGray]

I love to play with physics equations, does that count :D

[@claudiazuniga7193]

I Have an Imaginary friend called slob, slob is a boy I Was Friend With Him For 3 Years he is not mean he is not a slob his name is slob but yeah so my mom is telling me to watch this video ao yeah have a good day.

[@sarahrichardson138]

Does no one remember “drop dead Fred”

[@creativelobster560]

evan kidd, lol "kid"

[@gonjoguaiya926]

Kidd needs to grow up