February 1st marks the annual Global School Play Day, an event celebrated worldwide by students and schools.
This initiative, created in 2015, emphasizes the importance of allowing children to play unstructured for hours on end. Unfortunately, due to technology as recent studies suggest kids are spending around seven hours per day on screens which can harm their psychological wellbeing. The point of this day is to encourage kids to bring real toys (not devices!) to school that don’t require batteries or electricity; it was reported that 500,000 kids participated in 2020 alone!
What is Global School Play Day?
In 2015, Global School Play Day was launched to emphasize the importance of children playing in an unstructured manner throughout the day. Students and schools around the world celebrate this event every year. Nowadays, children spend an average of seven hours on screens, which can negatively affect their mental health.
The goal of Global School Play Day is to encourage children to play with real toys instead of devices. A total of 500,000 kids are expected to participate in the event in 2020. Bringing toys (not devices!) to school that do not require batteries or electricity is all that’s required! Some ideas: Board games, dolls, Legos, trucks, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, social games, etc.
Why is playing with real toys so important?
There are many reasons why playing with real toys is so important. For one, it stimulates the brain. When you play with toys, your brain is working harder than when you’re using a device. Playing with toys also teaches children how to problem solve. They learn how to think and strategize while they’re playing.
Another benefit of playing with real toys is that it builds relationships. Playing with friends and family is one of the best ways to learn and grow. When you’re playing with toys, you see how to cooperate and work together. It also teaches children how to be patient and how to take turns.
Are there any risks to participating in Global School Play Day?
There are no risks to participating in Global School Play Day. However, there are some risks associated with using devices. For example, devices can be addictive and can lead to problems such as cyberbullying and screen time overuse.
So why not just let kids use devices all day long instead of encouraging them to play with real toys?
There are many reasons why playing with real toys is better than using devices. For one, it’s more stimulating for the brain. Second, it teaches children how to problem solve. Third, it builds relationships. Fourth, it’s better for their development in terms of cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Fifth, it’s more fun!
Do I need to bring anything specific to participate in Global School Play Day?
Nope! All you need is a toy (or group of toys) that don’t require batteries or electricity. Some ideas? Board games, dolls, Legos, trucks, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, social games, etc.
Global School Play Day is an important event that encourages children to embrace imagination and creativity by engaging in free play. By participating, students are introducing them to new ideas and giving them a chance to celebrate individuality and community. On February 1st, schoolchildren across the globe will come together with their peers to enjoy the day as they make friends and create memories that will last long after its completion. Through discovering what it means to be creative and forming strong social bonds, Global School Play Day is sure to result in positive experiences among young people around the world.
