National Observance of Play Day February 7
By: , February 6, 2024The Full Story
Wednesday, February 7 has been designated Global School Play Day, and Jamaica will join the rest of the world with a national observance – Play Day Ja.
The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) is encouraging educational institutions across the island to organise activities in observance of the day.
In a bulletin issued by the Ministry, it is stated that evidence has shown that play remains a key educational tool that positively impacts children’s academic, social, physical and emotional health.
It is noted that play activities are critical as Jamaica continues the education recovery process in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Play Day Ja offers an avenue for all teachers, including those at secondary schools, to connect with their students and encourage them to not only have fun but also to explore feelings and emotions as well as improve their interpersonal skills.
School administrations are being asked to ensure that during Play Day Ja, schools also dedicate time to safe teaching and learning through play and use it as a psychosocial support tool.
Partnering organisations for Play Day Ja 2024 include the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Peace Corps, the United Nations (UN), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector.
Several organisations have arranged Play Day events/visits to schools to promote the value of play as a teaching and learning tool and a form of psychosocial support.
Parents and guardians are also being urged to participate in this observance and are being encouraged to play more with their children at home.
The following links can provide ideas that can be used on Play Day Ja: https://linktr.ee/unicefjamaica and select Play Day Ja – Game Suggestions.
Schools can also register their participation globally at: https://www.globalschoolplayday.com/.
For specific game-based lessons for grades one to three, persons can download the MOEY-produced, UNICEF-supported games-based manual:
https://www.unicef.org/jamaica/reports/game-based-interactive-learning-activities-early-years.
Join the Play Day Ja learning fun and share your experiences on social media using the following hashtags: #PlayDayJA, #GSPD2024. For additional information, persons can contact Dr. Rebecca Tortello at 876-564-0227 or email rtortello@unicef.org.