The Precedence of Play From the morning news to the increasingly ubiquitous blogosphere, the messaging that more is more never stops. It is a message that is leading educators and parents to value rigid pedagogic methods, overly structured environments, and an excess of programming. With that unrelenting focus comes the risk of losing sight of the power that play possesses in shaping our children and their futures. From our perspective as a leading educator, Friends’ Central School believes that a blend of hard work and play is the best formula for a fulfilling life. There is ample scientific evidence that clearly points out that children do best, learn best, when their education is a blend of the structured and unstructured, of both work and play. We have always believed that play is an essential experience to motivate creativity, self-expression, and social development, and that it has as great an impact on academic outcomes as does the most formal classroom preparation. Since our founding over 160 years ago, Friends’ Central has understood that for children to become successful contributing adults they must first be allowed to be children. We believe that the joy of lifelong learning cannot be forced but can only be found through the combined experience of hard work, unfettered play, and the power of accomplishment. And we know that the value of play, for our children and ourselves, enhances every stage of our life journey.
Friends’ Central School is a co-educational, college preparatory day school for nursery school through grade 12, located on two campuses in Wynnewood PA.
www.friendscentral.org