Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Kimberly Provost are pleased to share that Essex Elementary School students participated in Global School Play Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5, immersing themselves in creative free play without screens, structured games and adult direction.
Instead of participating in a regular structured school day, Essex Elementary students of all ages and grades spent the day playing freely. Students participated in activities that included board games, arts and crafts, puzzles, imaginative play and fort-building.
Essex Elementary students joined hundreds of thousands of others from more than 75 nations in celebrating the 10th annual Global School Play Day. The initiative promotes unstructured and spontaneous play, allowing children to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and navigate social interactions independently.
“Students at Essex Elementary School had a fantastic time participating in Global Play Day, embracing the power of unstructured play to foster imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and collaboration in action,” said Principal Provost. “This day was a wonderful reminder that play isn’t just fun, it’s an essential part of learning and growth. Our students embraced the day with excitement and creativity.”
Global School Play Day was founded to counteract the increasing loss of unstructured playtime in children’s lives. It encourages schools worldwide to dedicate time for students to experience the benefits of free play, such as cultivating creative abilities and developing social skills.
For more information about Global School Play Day, visit www.globalschoolplayday.com.
“Manchester Essex Regional School District is proud to support the Global School Play Day, which encourages students to engage in creativity, social interaction and logical thinking,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “Not only is unstructured play important in the social, emotional and cognitive development of our students, but it also allows students to disconnect from structure and have a day where they can learn and interact in the ways that bring them the most comfort and joy.”
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Students in grade 5 and Kindergarten students playing with stuffed animals. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District).
Grade 1 students playing a game of “Battleship,” while embracing creative play during Global Play Day. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District).
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Grade 2 students strategize during a game of chess on Global School Play Day. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District).
