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Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.

DESE Podcasts

  • Free-Play at High School - Panel Conversation

Free-Play at High School - Panel Conversation

Monday 3rd February 2025

Discover how Valley Springs school district uses free play to enhance student wellness and reduce bullying in this engaging episode of Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.
13 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Supportive
Engaging
Hopeful

About this podcast

Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.

Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.

Author:
DESE Podcasts
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Sobriety Toolkit
Relationships & Community
Parenting & Children
Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Episodes:
131 (View all)
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The Power of Free Play in Schools

Episode Overview

  • Free play enhances students' mental health and social skills.
  • Valley Springs school district implements flex days and outdoor activities.
  • Unstructured time reduces bullying and increases student engagement.
  • Students benefit from risk-taking and social interaction outside the classroom.
  • Phone-free policies contribute to a positive school environment.
The social skills that kids have developed throughout this process, just with the free play, among other things... they're nicer to each other.
Imagine a high school where students have a 'flex day' once a month, complete with outdoor activities, and even the occasional Nerf gun war. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in this episode of Arkansas A.W.A.R.E., Dr. Betsy Kindall, Nicole Fairchild, and Dr. Stacy Moore discuss the importance of free play for students.
They are joined by Valley Springs school district members and students who share their experiences with the school's innovative approach to integrating unstructured time into the school day. From flex days to outdoor volleyball games, these initiatives aim to provide students with opportunities for risk-taking, social interaction, and simply having fun outside the structured classroom environment. The episode highlights how these efforts have positively impacted students' mental health and social skills, reducing bullying and increasing engagement.
If you're curious about how free play can transform the school experience, this episode is a must-listen.
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Administrators Speak about Going Phone-Free at School - Panel Conversation