Play is a lot more than fun — it’s a necessary component of childhood in which kids learn important social skills that shape them into healthy adults. Unfortunately, kids today get far less unstructured play than in the past, largely a result of longer school days, more homework, and less unsupervised time with other kids.

Let Your Students Play: Global School Play Day

Global School Play Day is a grassroots movement founded by educators that aims to restore unstructured play in future generations of kids. The day launched on February 4, 2015 and has since expanded to a full month (August 15-September 15). It has grown from 65,000 participants in 2015 to 563,283 students from 75 Nations in 2020, according to the movement’s website. 

Here’s how to get your students involved, according to the movement:

  1. Register your class/school (non-teachers can register here)
  2. Educate your students, parents, colleagues and school administrators about the importance of play
  3. Invite other educators to have their students join the fun
  4. Choose a day between now and Sept 15 and ask your students to bring a toy to school that does not use batteries or electricity. These can include board games, legos, blocks, and even cardboard. You can also let them play outside.
  5. Let your students play without any instruction, interference, or supervision from adults. 
  6. With consent from students and parents, you may take photos and videos and share them on social media with the hashtag #GSPD2021.

Learn more on the movement’s website

View a collection of resources for teachers to encourage students to explore STEM on IEEE TryEngineering.