BRING A PARENT TO PLAY WPPS February 2019

AIMS OF TODAY §No guilt!! §To give an overview of why play is so important at home. §To give ideas about the best sort of play (from research). §To showcase 2 exciting parent workshops coming up! §To have some dedicated play time!

WHY PLAY? §There are many, many benefits of play. §Every child has the right to play and rest (UNCRC, Article 31). Adults have the responsibility to ensure that this happens. §Today we are talking about JUST PLAY, with no educational outcome, just enjoyment of time together. That’s the privilege that YOU have over teaching staff!

BENEFITS OF PLAY Builds attachment -eye contact -feeling valued -positive attention

BENEFITS OF PLAY Builds resilience and explores emotions Builds attention span

BENEFITS OF PLAY Improves vocabulary development (leading to better life outcomes)

BENEFITS OF PLAY Encourages creativity and imagination

BENEFITS OF PLAY It is good for everyone’s mental health!

HOW TO PLAY (OR NOT!) Watch this clip. What went well? But they were playing right? ! What did not go so well? How do you think the child felt?

HOW TO PLAY (OR NOT!) Now watch this clip. How do you think this play was different? How did it make the child feel?

HOW TO PLAY. . . YOUR CHALLENGE TODAY! §You are the commentator for your child’s play! (Handout) §DO comment on what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. §DO talk about emotions they might be feeling or emotions that you are feeling whilst playing. §Be IN THE MOMENT. Your full attention is vital!

HOW TO PLAY. . . YOUR CHALLENGE TODAY! §When JUST playing DO NOT TEACH (unless it’s necessary for rules of a new game. . . ) Yes, giraffes can be purple! Dinosaurs can go in with the pigs at the zoo! §DO NOT interfere with their flow; go with their imaginations and remember that children feel safe when they repeat things (even if you’re bored!) §TRY NOT to be too competitive- in the time it takes them to build a wall of lego, don’t build an entire house. §Take your child’s cues, if they WANT you to build alongside them ask their advice, get them to show YOU how!

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS The Incredible Years -14 week programme -to refer you need to have a child in the home between the ages of 3 and 6 -Action for Children family workers (Jo and Claire) will lead in The Glade on a Thursday afternoon -based on improving children’s behaviours and strengthening parenting skills

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS Timid to Tiger -CBT based course facilitated by Michelle Ridge and Debbie Pickering -12 weeks, session times to be decided -based on supporting parents of children with anxious behaviours -for the full primary age range

WHAT NEXT? §Play with your child/ren!. . . use the handout and remember to be the commentator! You can move between classes if you have multiple children. Siblings can visit each other. §Please come and see Jo/Claire from Action for Children if you are interested in Incredible Years. Alternatively contact Debbie Pickering at another time soon. §Please come and see Debbie/Michelle if you are interested in Timid to Tiger. Alternatively contact Debbie Pickering at another time soon. §Signing out: please sign out and leave via the school hall at 10 am