What is Global School Play Day?
Global School Play Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in February (This year, February 2nd). It’s an unstructured and self-directed period of play time during the school day. This period of play could last anywhere from an hour to a full day. It really depends on what works for you and your students.
During the day, students decide what they will do and use for play. This could include toys, board games, physical games, playing cards, building blocks, art products, costumes, and more. What shouldn’t be used are battery operated and electronic toys of any kind. Since this is self-directed play time, adults are not involved in any aspect of the play. Learn more at One Day. Nothing But Play.
The importance of unstructured play
There are instances when I feel like there is simply not enough time in the school day to teach the curriculum AND make room for play. However, when I look at the benefits of play, I realize my students are not losing out on any learning experiences but instead they’re gaining other valuable skills. As students participate in play and celebrate Global School Play Day, they’re developing all kinds of skills:
- Play promotes problem-solving.
- Students experience joy during play.
- Learning how to negotiate is a natural aspect of play.
- Students practice empathy during play.
- During play, students learn to be creative and innovative.
Watch this Ted Talk to learn more about the importance of play as Peter Gray discusses the decline of play.
Even though Global School Play Day is celebrated once a year, the essence of a play day can be celebrated all year long and at every grade level. Let’s give our students the gift of play!
Shared from https://www.weareteachers.com/...