{"id":3421,"date":"2024-11-20T09:33:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T14:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/new-york-new-jersey\/2024\/11\/20\/building-a-foundation-for-change\/"},"modified":"2025-01-24T18:31:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T23:31:22","slug":"building-a-foundation-for-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/new-york-new-jersey\/2024\/11\/20\/building-a-foundation-for-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Foundation for Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

Relationships are the foundation of building a shared future. Schools, as microcosms of our communities, are the perfect starting point for driving the systemic change we need. We can most effectively build strong, lasting relationships in schools by leveraging something everyone enjoys: play.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Playing together is one of the ways we create strong connections with other people – at all ages. It is an effective way to build a more fair future for everyone. When we play, we are connecting, collaborating, cooperating, communicating, and solving problems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And yet, even in schools there are barriers that prevent some kids and adults from building positive relationships through play. For example:<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"twoKids with differing abilities<\/b> might not be included on the playground. Oftentimes school staff haven\u2019t been equipped with the training, knowledge, or supporting resources to be able to address all of the needs of the individual students\u2019 physical and cognitive skills to safely engage them in play. With training and resources on how to modify games and activities to keep kids safe and engaged, we can make sure everyone is included in the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resource: Adapting Play for Varying Abilities blog<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Language barriers<\/b> can prevent communication, but when kids play together they\u2019ll often model the behaviors to cheer each other on. A smile or high-five on the playground can make all of the difference to start forming meaningful connections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resource: Play at Home playbook in 7 languages<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Kids with adverse childhood experiences<\/b> are experiencing higher levels of stress, and as a result, their brains might be dysregulated and behavior issues may occur. Clear game rules, norms, and expectations–and the act of playing itself–can help with re-regulating the brain. Play can act as a protective factor to support mental well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resource: Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"School staff have so many competing priorities and there is often turnover,<\/b> but kids need to build trusting relationships. It is important for kids to have caring and consistent adults in their corner, both for their personal and academic development. In order for school staff to support students and model positive behaviors, they need to feel supported themselves. When school staff engage in play, they are building connections with the students and each other while also feeling joy from the act of playing itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resource: Kaiser Permanente Supporting Teacher and Staff Wellbeing tip sheet<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic absenteeism<\/b> puts a strain on relationships between kids and adults. By making school an inclusive, fun place that kids want to attend, they\u2019re more likely to show up and have a higher academic motivation. Playing together and feeling included in games can make students feel supported in the school environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Resource: Attendance Works Facebook post<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Play has an important role in every school. <\/span><\/h5>\n

Although play experiences can look and feel different from one school to another, they all have benefits. These six simple Principles of Play are a great starting point to help ensure that the play experience is positive and inviting.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day, every kid in America will benefit from playing every day–and every adult too. Schools are one critical part of children\u2019s lives, and a great place to spark change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Check out games you can play today, visit our Game Library<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
Donate today<\/a><\/strong> to invest in our shared future.\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Relationships are the foundation of building a shared future. Schools, as microcosms of our communities, are the perfect starting point for driving the systemic change we need. We can most […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":3428,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"region":[],"class_list":["post-3421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-updates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBuilding a Foundation for Change - New York \/ New Jersey<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Playing together is one of the ways we create strong connections and to build a more fair future for everyone.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/new-york-new-jersey\/2024\/11\/20\/building-a-foundation-for-change\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Building a Foundation for Change\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Playing together is one of the ways we create strong connections and to build a more fair future for everyone. 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