Healthy Play IS a Solution!

 A five-year longitudinal research project of 29 schools on Healthy Play show that 85.5% of teachers who used it in their curriculum 3 - 5 times each week reported a behavioral problem reduction average of 70% in acts of aggression, bullying, threats, non-cooperation and teasing. Teachers, whose students have 70% less behavior problems, are less strssed and have 70% more time for teaching academics.

 Empathy, self-regulation and problem solving skills are essential for personal and social success. Children will not perpetrate acts of aggression and violence against each other if they learn to become empathetic and solve their problems peacefully. Children who can self-regulate put the control of the classroom back into the hands of teachers and the most cooperative students.

 Via Healthy Play, (HP) the paradigm of the most unruly child running the show is replaced as that child learns skills of success instead of disruption. The new paradigm is one of optimal learning by the creation of a positive school culture where healthy social/emotional behaviors are taught, practiced, nurtured and, most importantly, internalized in a naturally joyous, social-bonding manner that students resonate with the most. The character skills they learn when they play on the playground transfer throughout the school day and will grant them personal, emotional, academic success that they will take throughout their lives.

The most natural way children learn is through play.

The philosophical HP message of “People are the most important part of the Game” quickly transfers to, “People are the most important part of everything.” How we play reflects who we are and how we live. Children want/need to play. The desire to play is highly motivational. Through play we “live” and internalize our actions, behaviors, self and other awareness. Play reflects our authentic self.

Facilitating an effective four point program (via full staff trainings, classroom/playground consultations with students and teachers), Healthy Play teaches empathy, anti-bullying, self regulation and problem-solving skills through repetitive opportunities in a natural and developmental learning style that resonates with and motivates students. What students learn (kindness, fairness, personal responsibility, etc.) and practice during play transfers throughout the school day.

By utilizing the two HP rules children/students learn and practice social skills. Multiple practice opportunities provide a framework for all interactions, social/emotional learning experiences, and appreciations throughout the entire school day.

Additionally, through an understanding of the three types of HP game activities teachers and other youth-serving staff learn how to creatively change activities and games to meet the needs of children emotionally, socially, behaviorally, while supporting and enhancing academics and physical health.

HP works because it reaches children on their own developmental playing field.

HP creates real time naturalistic awareness, activities and interventions to repeatedly experience and practice social skills. HP puts empathy, self-regulation and problem-solving into action. It also quickly bonds children with the significant adults responsible for their care. A Healthy Play training also bonds adult staff and is an excellent team building and morale boosting experience. Most teachers rank their Healthy Play training as the best staff development training they have ever experienced. Acting cohesively, within the elegant, joyous and easy to implement HP model, heightens a positive learning environment and increases sustainability.