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Play.

PLAY has long been recognized as a necessary mediator of healthy human functioning. It is a central component of all developmental theories. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes PLAY as an essential right of every child.  

Given that most children are in school most of their day, most days, for most of their childhoods....consider:
​
The challenges:
Children let us know that it is difficult to play, be active, and connect with their friends during recess.
WHY? Minimal supervision, crowded conditions, little equipment, social conflict, exclusion, bullying, boredom and discipline issues are getting in the way of PLAY.
  • Opportunities for play at school are compromised by safety concerns, liability issues, minimal funding, accountability pressures
  • Complicated social landscapes increase stress and make it difficult for children to engage in meaningful play
  • Daily stress can compromise coping resources and trigger maladaptive thoughts and behaviour
  • Have a second look at some urban school playgrounds: tiny, barren, soulless, asphalt. 
What we can do:
  • Spaces to play: children need spaces that are more conducive to play (both indoor and out). 
  • Variety: elementary school children are of mixed ages, stages, temperaments, and social skills. Activities should fall on a continuum from structured to unstructured, individual to group, active to calm. 
  • Think: areas for random free play, lots of equipment, safe spaces for individual play and relaxation, natural materials (trees, logs, sand, rocks, grass); guided activities like yoga, soccer baseball, zumba, dance, dodgeball, volleyball, organized games; spaces to play: equipment and activity stations, 
Read more about it here
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The Recess Project @ Ryerson University
Diversity Institute, Ted Rogers School of Management
350 Victoria St. Toronto M5B 2K3
info@recessprojectcanada.com
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  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Rethinking Recess
    • News and Press
    • Research and Publications
  • Resources
  • Changemaker's Guide
  • Research and Consulting
  • Join Us
  • Contact