What Does It Mean to be a Playmaker in the life of a child?

There are times that teachers, parents, therapists, etc. go to professional development to learn something new and strengthen their connection to the children they work with and love. 

During the many professional developments I attended I would walk away with three thoughts - 1. I got a good idea to try in the classroom, 2. I was given some good websites and books to look up when I got home, and 3. I was very motivated to improve.  The reality was, a lot of money was spent and the value/impact was short lived. 

Two weeks ago a friend sent me an email saying she saw something from Facebook about play, trauma, children, hurting, and healing.  Then asked the question that a playmaker loves - "Is there something we can do?"

Simply put - yes. 

The name of the organization - Life Is Good Playmakers.  The opportunity: Spend a weekend with an incredible group of people, learn simple techniques to engage children who have been victims of trauma to do what children are meant to do - PLAY! Add to that, all participants are given a bag of tools and it only cost $35 for two days of materials, room, and meals.  No questions - I was IN!

According to dictionary.com a playmaker is an offensive player who executes plays designed to put teammates in a position to score.  Life is Good Playmakers are  ready and able to lovingly reconnect disengaged children, diminish their fears and anger, renew their joy and imagination, and boost their capacity to learn and grow into healthy, productive adults.

I never could have imagined how wonderful the weekend would be and the benefit to the children and teachers in our programs it has already become.  It was a weekend filled with a instant impact and long term effect.  The next test of a great workshop, passed with flying colors.  After a week at home I am still benefitting personally and professionally from the lessons and games we played.

The children, teachers, and caregivers in Connecticut have a lot to look forward to in the coming months as we pass on the philosophy and demonstrate how a shift in focus from control to playful engagement can exponentially improve childrens' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic well being. 

If children forget their job, it is our job to remind them.

If a child's expererience or disability interfere with their ability to connect with the world around them, it is our job to show them a way to reconnect.

A child's only job is to discover joy. 

In order for that to happen children must feel loved and PLAY.

Do you believe that?

When your child goes to school, goes to their daycare facitlity, or preschool there is a portion of the day you should be scrutinizing to make sure your child is prepared to reach their maximum joyful potential. What does their play look like?

As a Life Is Good Playmaker we ask ourselves, before and after each activity, four questions related to the activity:

Is it playful?

Does it promote social connections?

Does it support internal control?

Does it support creativity?

Finally, and most importantly, when engaging in activities with children - make sure you as the caregiver, teacher, and parent are downloading your calm into the child and not allowing them to download themselves into you.  Be a playmaker in the life of the children you love - prepare them to reach their maximum potential by supporting play opportunities in their days. 

Many of our most important lessons about life are learned in play. 

Are you a playmaker in the life the children you work with and love?

Synergy Center Corporation was formed in 2009 by Brian Armstrong and Kate O’Boyle to help individuals with disabilities and weakened health conditions make quality connections with themselves, their community and their world.  With more than 30 years combined experience in special education, general education and guidance, Armstrong and O’Boyle are dedicated to helping people of all ages receive respite and relief in the form of play, relaxation, learning and interacting in a safe, healthy environment.  To find out more about other programs and services provided by Synergy, visit connectwithsynergy.com or call (860)701-0355.