BACKGROUND
According to Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to rest, leisure, play, and to participate freely in age-appropriate recreational, cultural, and artistic activities. Play is a means for children to develop emotional regulation, cope with stress, gain self-protection skills, and participate in daily life. In Turkey, outdoor play is increasingly disappearing from children's lives, and due to growing adult control and shorter recess times, children are unable to access their right to play. Considering that children in cities spend most of their time at school and socialize there, it is important to advocate for play within schools.
PROJECT GOALS
- Children's access to the right to play will be increased at a selected pilot school in Osmangazi, Bursa; children will identify violations of their right to play and create opportunities for access to play.
- Training content on topics such as “Play in Education,” “Flexible Play Area Implementation,” and “Coaching in Play” will be developed and implemented to support the professional development of teachers.
- A flexible play area will be established at the pilot school to support children’s sustainable access to the right to play.
- A play facilitator mentorship program will be implemented for teachers at the pilot school.
- A play awareness seminar will be organized for parents.
- A play festival will be organized.
- A Play Area Implementation Guide will be prepared to support the dissemination of the model.
PROJECT RESULTS
- Sabri Katırcı Primary School in Bursa’s Osmangazi district was designated as the pilot school.
- Based on pre-tests and observations conducted with 27 teachers, 34 students, and 3 administrators, a needs assessment report was prepared.
- A 21-square-meter container equipped with play materials was placed in the schoolyard, establishing a flexible play area named the “Playful Cabin.”
- 35 teachers, including subject teachers, received training on “Play in Education,” “Flexible Play Area Practices,” and “Coaching in Play,” and were certified as Playful Teachers.
- With 150 practice sessions, more than 800 children at the school participated in flexible play activities.
- A seminar on “Play and Risk” was organized with the participation of 48 parents.
- An informational brochure on “Play and Risk” was prepared and distributed to parents.
- A booklet was compiled from the letters written by students about the flexible play area.
- A “Play Day Festival” was held.
- A model booklet on Playful School practices was developed.
