Global School Play Day is a day of awareness promoting the importance of regular, unstructured play for the best development of children. In recent years children are finding less time to play which is having a negative impact on their early development. Global play day was organised by a group of teachers who were worried that adults and technology are encroaching on playtime for children, increasing mental health issues and anxiety. Play is a powerful learning tool and has a positive effect on children's mental health and well being. As such we will be supporting the event with lots of play based learning in school. 

To learn more, please take a look at Peter Gray's TEDx talk and click on the link below.

The decline of play - TEDx talk by Peter Gray

When your child plays, they learn about them self and their surroundings. This includes how to coordinate their body movements, talk with friends, apply rules, and more. But the learning process is even broader than this.

Play is more than you think; it is a way for your child to familiarise themselves with the world while exploring and testing their own limits. At the same time, they are engaged in an activity that provides them enjoyment or amusement. Play helps them learn about things such as the earthworm they find on the ground, how to avoid arguments with others, their favourite make believe character during role play or that mum does not like when they yell inside the house. Promoting playtime helps your child learn about their skills and abilities, while interacting with others and their surroundings.

Play begins early. When baby studies and interacts with the things around them, whether this is by putting a toy in their mouth or touching a new textured object, they are “playing.” Part of exploring their environment also includes figuring out how to get your attention such as when baby coos or babbles at you. It is important to remember playtime helps baby to continuously master and reinforce concepts that become important milestones.

Your child will continue to play throughout childhood and you may be surprised at the number of skills they develop such as:

• Learning to exercise problem solving skills
• Showing an ability to think flexibly
• Practicing processing their emotions
• Facing their fears
• Trying new things without fear of mistake

Older children also gain something additional while they play—they discover their own interests and passions. Your child may find they have a love for a specific activity such as art or acting, or possibly for an animal or character. Playtime will encourage them to continue exploring their own interests and build skills they will use in the future.

All children should have time for play. It is the building blocks for establishing confidence, coping abilities, flexibility and positive interactions with others. Through play, your child will be able to apply these skills as they grow into a young adult.