Wednesday's Word
March 30, 2022
What's Inside
- MCAS Schedule
- Needed: NPS Wellness Advisory Committee representatives
- Community News
- Norfolk Recreation Programs
- Classroom Happenings
Dear Families,
I am sure that we are all hoping that the month of April brings us nice weather especially following the dip in temperatures we have recently experienced. Nice weather also provides our children with additional opportunities to engage in a very important form of play that benefits all areas of a child's development called Unstructured Play. There has been a steep decline in this form of play over the last couple of decades as children's days are filled with more scheduled and highly structured activities. The American Psychological Association states that unstructured play is “a fundamental necessity for children to thrive physically, emotionally, mentally and socially.” (The serious business of play). Research conducted by numerous organizations including Stanford University has found that regular opportunities for children to engage in unstructured play not only develop a child’s problem-solving abilities, social skills, and creativity but can even improve the immune system. In addition, studies have found that providing our children with opportunities to engage in unstructured play is especially vital in addressing the social and emotional effects the pandemic had on our children. (Power of Play in the Pandemic)
What is the difference between structured and unstructured play?
Structured play is adult led and focuses on a specific task or skill development. Examples of structured play include classes like karate or dance, arts and craft activities, sports, and board games. These activities are important for developing specific new skills such as building stamina and strength through sports, being introduced to new ideas such as how to reason through a puzzle, or learning social skills such as taking turns.
Unstructured play is free play that is child led and directed. Unlike structured play, it does not require an outcome or product. Examples of unstructured play include playing on the playground, engaging in imaginative games, and having time to explore interests by oneself. As mentioned above, unstructured play provides children the ability to develop empathy, creativity, decision-making skills, and overall emotional and social skills.
It is recommended that children have a balance of both structured and unstructured play, especially following the social restrictions they faced during the pandemic. It is also recommended that children of all ages have opportunities to engage in daily unstructured play. Recognizing that this can be challenging to create, here is a link to some suggestions on how this can be achieved: 8 Easy Ways to Incorporate Unstructured Play into Every Day.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead with some relaxing and unstructured time to play.
Sincerely,
Victoria Saldana, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Reminder: ELA MCAS for grade 3 starts tomorrow
Needed: NPS Wellness Advisory Committee representatives
We are seeking at least one HOD and one FK parent representative to participate as members of the Norfolk Schools Wellness Advisory Committee. This committee is established to ensure that the District has a system in place to deal effectively with school health issues and is responsible for making recommendations concerning school health/wellness policies, programs and practices. We plan to meet approximately 4 times per year, currently planning for Fridays, 1:30-2:30 pm. If interested, please contact Dot Pearl, dpearl@norfolk.k12.ma.us.
Norfolk Lions 11th Annual Community Day Youth Art Show!
Click on the flyer for more information
Introducing principles of Artificial Intelligence to elementary school children through games!
Click on picture for more information
Norfolk Recreation upcoming programs!
Kindness Week donations go to SAFE Coalition
For more information: 774-847-9474 https://www.safecoalitionma.org/home
H. Olive Day Friends!
Artist Georgia O'Keefe comes to life in Mrs. Mellick's art class!
Georgia O'Keefe
Georgia O'Keeffe (1987 to 1986) was an American artist. She was known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. O'Keeffe has been recognized as the "Mother of American modernism"
Some interesting facts:
In 1977, President Gerald Ford presented O'Keeffe with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor awarded to American civilians.
In 1985, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan.
- In 1993, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
For even more info check out this slideshow!
HOD students enjoying the PTO Book Fair!
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1255