WCED promotes safe play spaces
22 October 2021
The Directorate: Inclusive and Specialised Education Support has launched a video to promote safe play spaces for learners in schools and communities.
Patricia Arendse, Provincial Manager: Therapy Services, said children learn through play and must be given the time and space to develop gross motor skills, fine motor skills, counting, communication and social skills through various play activities.
Therapy services in the Western Cape Education Department adopted the theme of play and has been promoting games and fun activities teachers can do with learners in class to have fun while teaching them various concepts. These programmes and activities are coordinated by the senior therapist at each district office.
They also encourage communities to create safe spaces in neighbourhoods where children can play, have fun and forget about violence in the community, unhappiness at home or even their academic struggles, Arendse said such safe spaces could include community centres or churches where play ambassadors oversee the play activities and the spaces.
She urged parents to set time aside to play with their children and create strong family bonds. “It doesn’t always have to be structured play where you plan in advance. It can be spontaneous, but parents must make time to either kick a ball with their children, play boardgames or build puzzles.”
For ideas on fun activities with your children, visit Therapy Services’ social media pages at the following links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/127095967939553/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisesWced
Watch the Play video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQHssndZq_8
Join the movement! Become a play ambassador.
#safeplayspaces
#learningthroughplay
#playpromotesinclusion