Two boys pretending to be pirates in boxes and baskets

College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Sandra Russ discusses the influence of COVID-19 on children’s play

How the Coronavirus Is Influencing Children’s Play

The Atlantic: Sandra Russ, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, a Distinguished University Professor and Louis D. Beaumont University Professor, discussed how children use play as language to act out pretend scenarios as a way to express concerns, ask questions, and a reshape a narrative where they are driving the plot and can change the outcome or try out different solutions; this behavior from kids is to be expected during a disaster, Russ said: “It’s upended [kids’] lives. It’s natural that it would be on their minds.”