“It’s the best school day ever,” said one McFall first grader playing a game of UNO with a friend.
McFall teachers scaled back on the normal routines of the day to take part in Global School Play Day Feb. 5. It’s a day dedicated to free play without the use of screens or electronics. Students were encouraged to bring toys and games for the day so long as there were no electronics and nothing even requiring batteries.
Students didn’t realize it, but many lessons were actually being learned. “They learn to share and take turns. They learn to be friends. It’s an opportunity for the whole classroom to interact in play. While electronics are great, sometimes we need a break and this day gives kids a chance to just be kids and play with each other. They need time to have fun, play together and just be kids,” said McFall Principal Jon Washburn.
Kindergarten teacher Jordin Dahlberg said it’s a special day for the students. “I love that they have time to build friendships and learn how to be friends and share their toys and games. They’re learning how to take turns, how to win and how to lose. They are just having fun.”
Teachers said they especially liked how students were able to use their imaginations and creativity while they played. There were no guidelines or directions for students to follow - they simply were tasked with sharing, being kind, respecting others, and enjoying playing together.
One group built a secret hideaway fort by putting blankets over chairs. In the same room, two boys flew their superhero action figures around the room and another group of students zoomed race cars down a track.
One table was filled with students coloring and cutting out pictures. Some built with Legos or Magna Tiles and blocks. They made marble runs and garages for monster trucks. They built skyscrapers and bridges. Some girls brushed their dolls’ hair and played pretend.
Two students played UNO as they sat near the window. Another group played Candy Land and several students joined in the fun of a Lava Floor game trying to jump from color to color to escape the lava.
There were no timers going off. Students could play for as long or as little as they liked at one thing and then move on to something else. The only schedules were those they followed for lunch, recess and specials like gym, music or art.
Global School Play Day was created in 2015 by a group of educators who were concerned that children were getting less and less time to play due to technology and schedules. They established the first Wednesday of every February as Global School Play Day, encouraging teachers around the world to take one day and just let children play. Research shows free play encourages children to develop skills that build self-confidence, conflict-resolution, imaginative and dramatic play. It also prompts healthy development and critical thinking skills.