The Power of Play!
Play is one of the most important things for good mental health and child development. Despite its many benefits, statistics show that the amount of time children get to play has been declining. Tightly structured schedules, fewer safe places to play, and rising media use and screen time are among the reasons. Let’s get back to the benefits of play!
Try this:
Move and Freeze
As a family, group or class:
1. Everyone stands up
2. Play this song: Freeze Dance | Freeze Song | Freeze Dance for Kids | Music for Kids | The Kiboomers
3. While you follow the prompts in the song, try these as well:
- adapted from Brain Blitz
How does your body feel now? Do you notice your heart, your face, your smile, your mood?
a. make eye contact and smile at someone else,
b. be as silly as you can,
c. hold someone’s hand when you dance,
d. put your hands up in the air,
e. freeze in a funny way.
b. be as silly as you can,
c. hold someone’s hand when you dance,
d. put your hands up in the air,
e. freeze in a funny way.
4. Adults: Make sure everyone sees you participate. Make eye contact with everyone and smile!
5. Raise your hand if you felt silly doing this activity.
- adapted from Brain Blitz
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How does your body feel now? Do you notice your heart, your face, your smile, your mood?
Connecting to Our Faith
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23a
Further Learning
Adult Podcast:
Desiring God Podcast highlighting God and Play – Erik Thoennes (12:47)
Children’s Book:
Salmon Forest by David Suzuki and Sarah Ellis
Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
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