A webinar with ALISON WOOLF, play therapist, play specialist and author of Better Play discussing the importance of play in schools in developing resilience through Covid and beyond
Q. Why should schools make sure we give more time for play in our current challenging times?
A. Playfulness is a natural antibody to stress, play is a preventative and remedial inoculation for uncertainty. Play and playfulness in classrooms and school playgrounds builds understanding and relationships, building stronger communities, more ready to face challenge and recover their balance.
Children who play lots are likely to have more resilience to stress, more bounce-back-ability. Time spent playing allows a child to develop their understanding of the world, control of their narrative and explore flexible possibilities for ways forward. Curiosity about the play of a child can build a map of their resilience and vulnerability, AND at the same time, celebrate their strengths and address needs and challenges.