This year Global Village Academy Douglas County is partnering with Playworks to create a place on the playground for every child to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills.
At Playworks, they recognize the importance of play.
Why play?
- From the satisfaction of breaking a sweat to the surprise of imagination, play teaches us to be human. Societies depend on our ability to “play well together.”
- Through play, children discover the joy of physical activity. They learn the social and emotional skills they will use in the classroom, workplace, and in life.
- Play is one of the most important ways in which children learn.
Jack Shonkoff
Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Why Play Matters in Schools
- Playtime helps kids discover the joy of being active. Research shows that active kids are stronger learners.
- By playing together, children practice how to get along. Kindergarteners with stronger social and emotional skills have better life outcomes as adults.
- Research suggests that when we play, our brains develop creativity and flexibility.
Play is especially important in schools. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes,
“Recess is a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom. But equally important is that safe and well-supervised recess offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it. Recess is unique from, and a complement to, physical education—not a substitute for it.”
At Playworks, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play every day.
What Gets In the Way of Play
When you think of recess, do you remember laughing, playing, and having fun? Or do you remember sitting on the sidelines, getting in fights, and waiting for the bell?
For many students, playtime is anything but playful.
- Children who feel excluded or do not know the rules play less with their peers. They have fewer opportunities for physical activity and social development.
- Playground lessons are priceless, but kids need strategies for success. When play is too unsafe, or conflicts escalate, kids miss out on the fun—and learning opportunities.
- Children play together outside school less than they once did. By learning games and having time to play at school, kids can explore creativity and leadership.
The Role of Educators
Thankfully, educators at GVA-DC have partnered with Playworks to shape play environments that bring out the best in kids. We can't wait to share more about how we are changing the way we do recess. Keep your eyes out for future newsletter installments!