Celebrating the Global School Day of Play and Recognizing the Importance of Recess
Wednesday, Feb. 7, is the Global School Day of Play, an annual event that recognizes play as more than recreation. Rather, it is a vital aspect of childhood development.
More than 1.5 million kids from 75 nations have celebrated Global School Play Day since it began in 2015. The movement encourages school administrators, teachers, and others to allow children time for free play without the use of screens, structured games, or adult direction. It is a day to focus on letting children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous environment.
At Little Tikes Commercial, we recognize we’re part of that equation. For children heading off to school each day, outdoor play structures are an important element of recess, when play takes center stage. Children gain invaluable skills on the playground, just as they do in the classroom. Play fosters imagination, enhances physical fitness, and improves social interactions. It’s a holistic approach to education that benefits both the mind and body.
Outdoor play during the school day has been linked to better concentration, improved mental health, and a more engaged learning experience. Recess is a natural way for children to explore, imagine, and connect with their environment, and our team is focused on crafting safe, inclusive equipment that stirs that connection. We live and breathe recess!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recess benefits students by:
- Increasing their level of physical activity
- Improving their memory, attention, and concentration
- Helping them stay on-task in the classroom
- Reducing disruptive behavior in the classroom
- Improving their social and emotional development (e.g., learning how to share and negotiate)
The recent allocation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds provides a timely opportunity for schools across America, as ESSER funds can be used to enhance play spaces, ensuring they are not only fun but also safe and inclusive. District leaders have flexibility when it comes to how best to use ESSER funds to meet the needs of their school communities, and outdoor play improvements – which benefit all students – shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you are seeking quality play equipment for your students, Little Tikes Commercial has the customer service and experience to help you create something special for your school community. From custom solutions to pre-made configurations, we can work with almost any theme and idea. We’ll focus on your budget, space and unique needs, helping you dream up, design and install a playground solution that will please students, parents, educators, administrators and your whole extended community.
Contact Little Tikes Commercial today and learn more about how we can provide quality playground equipment for your school.