Warriors bringing back play with new 'Play Days' program

"Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It's how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful." Those words by American Author Susan Linn have never been more true and the Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to be a small part in bringing play to children across our region.

With the recent development of a program called "Play Days", children in Grades 1-8 have been participating in a wide range of activities in the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House over the past month and a half.

Play Days aim to provide youth with a way to meaningfully participate in sport and games originating from indigenous culture. As we work towards reconciliation, participants will be introduced to Lacrosse, Rattler, Capture the Flag, Tatanka Tatanka, and more. The program uses the "Indigenous Games for Children" book from High Five and Parks Canada to teach about the history of how indigenous sports have shaped our current games and sports.

This program further aims to reinforce the impact that physical activity can have on social connection, performance in the classroom, and mental health. Activities will draw upon components from the Canadian Sport for Life Program, in alignment with the Ontario Curriculum.

"We are extremely proud to be hosting elementary aged children around the KW Region to promote physical activity as a means of maintaining positive physical and mental wellbeing, while interweaving some education around indigenous culture," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster. "As we transition out of a very difficult two-year period of change and uncertainty for our youth, it is a critically important time to make physical activity a priority and we hope Play Days can play a small part in this."

Play Days are instructed by University of Waterloo students who have a passion for working with children and expertise in encouraging and facilitating physical activity. 

The program was designed in conjunction with the Recreation and Leisure Department through the hiring of students in their practicum program and was made possible through a Canada Summer Job Grant that has helped support instructors while reducing costs for participants. Play Days was also built with the intention of impacting the KW community through access to play and activity resources.

Here are several comments from teachers who have thoroughly enjoyed the Play Days program:

"All four leaders were absolutely terrific! They really connected with the students, explained the rules of each game in child friendly, easy to understand language and displayed great enthusiasm and energy! There were many instances where they even went above and beyond."

"I just wanted to let you know that the Play Days was a HUGE success! My kiddos all loved it and were sad to leave. Your instructors did a fantastic job - activities were age appropriate so they kids were engaged and active and they helped my students work through any problems. Parents and other teachers also said it was a great day!"

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