The Benefits Of Free & Structured Play

Role of Free Play in the Emotional Schools Framework:

• Free play is integrated into various parts of the school day, including mornings, recess, lunch, and intramurals, providing students with essential opportunities to explore, interact, and self-regulate in unstructured settings.
• During recess and lunch breaks, free play allows students to engage in spontaneous activities, build friendships, and navigate social challenges independently, fostering resilience, emotional control, and empathy. Morning free play offers a positive start to the day, helping students release energy, reduce anxiety, and prepare mentally for learning.
• Intramurals provide inclusive, low-pressure environments for students to develop teamwork, communication, and self-discipline, while promoting physical health and emotional well-being.
• These moments of free play are critical for practicing emotional intelligence in real-time, supporting the emotional (East) and physical (North) aspects of the Medicine Wheel.

Role of Structured Play in the Emotional Schools Framework:

• Structured play is embedded into all subjects (As per BC Ministry of Education-website below), physical education activities, and organized school sports, offering guided opportunities for students to develop emotional and social skills.
• BC Ministry of Education Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/play-today​
• Instructional-based games promote collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional regulation within a structured environment, reinforcing critical thinking and teamwork.
• Physical education programs incorporate structured play to teach discipline, goal-setting, and resilience, while enhancing students' physical well-being.
• School sports, such as teams and tournaments, provide a platform for students to build leadership, perseverance, and mutual respect, contributing to their personal growth and emotional maturity.
• Structured play ensures that emotional intelligence is intentionally taught and practiced, aligning with all four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel and reinforcing the framework’s commitment to holistic student development.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/play-today​