As a teacher this book really interested me as I have been reading a lot about the value of play.
I teach Year One and have done for most of my career. In both schools I've worked in, the start of Year One has been an ongoing challenge. The transition from a play-based curriculum to a more formal learning setting is extremely challenging. Last year we (my mirror teacher and I) managed only three weeks of play- based learning due to curriculum/timetable constraints as well as lack of resources. This year, we are hoping to extend this for as long as possible with the senior team's support as well as additional resources and have currently planned this until Christmas. We often forget how young these children are and how difficult it is to sit and focus for great lengths of time; whereas play can be an exciting and motivating way of learning without the pressures on the child.
In my current school, I have really noticed issues in the playground. The real issues being the games that are played. The children have moved from a resource-led playground to a blank space you could say. There are of course some items of equipment to use but the children simply do not know how to play games. Flashback to my school life in the eighties where we had a vast amount of playground games. I don't know who taught these to us initially but we always had ideas for what to do whether it was skipping, hopscotch or a game of What's the Time Mr Wolf?
This book is a guide to bringing back those games. The ones where lots of people could join in and it felt like a community. There is lots of theory behind why play is important in the book. Play should not be underestimated. It is learning about communication, co-operation, following a set of rules, using imagination and of course not being judged as part of this. It is clear that these games have been tried and tested as part of the Flying Seagull project and as you read through, hopefully there will be at least one game that brings back a fond memory of school for you. These games are easy to resource and the way the book is presented, it is easy to plan ahead for what you might need.
This coming year, my teaching assistant has been asked to run a playground club and having discussed ideas with her (even before reading this book), my biggest push was for the children to learn playground games. Now, more than ever, I am very keen for this to happen and I feel this book will enable her to produce an excellent club which will engage a whole range of children.
This book is a must for anyone who works with children as well as parents who struggle with games involving the whole family. They are fun, easy and will have an impact on the young people involved. Living in a digital age it is so easy to get caught up with screen time. These ideas take us back to a simpler, (and quite often) a happier time. These games are not only for the summer outdoor months but there are ideas which can be played indoors.
It was a great book to read and will definitely be something I will be dipping in and out for game ideas! A great resource!
All views express are my own. I received the book free of charge from Watkins Media Ltd in exchange for an honest review.