This week is children's mental health week. As schools reflect on the multiple ways they can show kindness and support to all the children in their care I want to take a moment to champion play as a powerful tool.
If there is a rich play offer and an understanding of the play process across the whole school commmunity the benefits to children's mental health are enourmous.
> Increased inclusion, togetherness and play across culture, age and gender
> A time to learn experientially self regulation and executive skills
> Increased movement, use of their bodies and opportunity to take risks
> Increased movement, use of their bodies and opportunity to take risks
> Immersion in nature promotes calm and a sense of well being
> Play hands children self determination and agency where they are deprived it in other parts of their lives. Using skills and interests in their own way, for their own reasons.
> Freedom to develop social skills - negotiation, empathy and conflict resolution.
> Time to grow in positive regard for themselves and others, whilst enjoying social play
