Pat-Med Debuts Before School Play Program

From Patch-Med Schools: All seven elementary schools in Patchogue-Medford launched a “before school play club” in the fall allowing students to add even more play into their routines before settling into the school day.

This is another initiative that falls in line with the district’s whole child education approach. Students, in kindergarten through fifth grade, spent time playing, learning, communicating and collaborating in the school setting. The fall session wrapped up in early December and will pick up again this spring.

“It’s amazing to see the benefits that this program has provided our children,” said Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent of Patchogue-Medford Schools. “Children have the opportunity for self-directed mixed-age play for an hour before school.Kids must be free to play in school.”

This takes place once per week for one hour in the fall and spring. It’s monitored by the building’s faculty and staff, and students of all grades play amongst each other.

In January, Dr. Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College, was a featured speaker in Pat-Med and spoke about the benefit of play for children. Dr. Hynes is a large voice in the educational world about the power of play and paT-m

“This may have been one of the most amazing experiences in my 28 years in education,” said Lori Koerner, Principal of Tremont Elementary. “To watch children across all ages and grade levels come together to play was fascinating to observe! This club is self-directed with minimal interference from the adult advisors. Children were communicating, collaborating, cooperating and learning together.”

The program has also manifested in other positive ways across the district. At Bay Elementary, Principal Rui Mendes has instituted a play/recess at the beginning of every school day. From 9:30 a.m. through 10:00 a.m., students engage in play.

“Teachers in the building have agreed that this time of physical activity has allowed for students to be focused and ready to learn at 10 a.m.,” said Mendes.

River Principal Dr. Tania Davenport-Dalley saw kids start the fall in smaller groups that expanded and became very inclusive in a quick amount of time.

“I think the program is important in building social skills and teaching students how to navigate each other’s feelings as well as difficult situations,” said Dr. Davenport-Dalley.

The only direction given to the students was that attendance would be taken at the start of each session. Other than that, children were free to choose who they wanted to play with, the games they wanted to play and the area to play.

“What was completely unexpected was how the older children took it upon themselves to include and guide the little ones,” said Barton Elementary Principal, Judith a. Soltner. “It was amazing and awesome to watch.”

Added Canaan Principal, Robert Epstein: “It is a wonderful opportunity for children to be creative and participate in self-directed play. Students are encouraged to utilize their own conflict resolution skills when the need arises. The ability to resolve conflicts without adult intervention is a crucial component to becoming socially competent. The play club provides the opportunity for students to practice interacting and communicating with one another with minimal adult intervention.”

To learn more about Patchogue-Medford’s whole child educational approach, please refer to PMSchools.org or follow for daily updates on @PatMedSchools on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Image Courtesy of Patch-Med Schools