Access To Play In Crisis

It is important to acknowledge that play generates concrete and first hand experiences that support a child's development. Providing play opportunities increases children's ability to support their own wellbeing and supports adults in understanding how children develop. Play is imperative in helping children develop a sense of identity and make meaning of the world around them. Children experience fun and enjoyment while playing. Play offers children the opportunity to engage in shared learning, build a sense of personal value and self worth and a connectedness to community. So if play is so important to childhood development why the decline? How can we as educators bring back play into the classroom? This session will examine why there has been a steady decline in play and how teachers can incorporate more play into the classroom while addressing the curricular expectations laid out by the provincial government.