Chatterton School students put down their devices and picked up board games, cards and puzzles on Feb. 4 as the school marked the Global School Day of Play, an event designed to promote creativity, collaboration and social-emotional learning through student-led activities.
The first 45 minutes of the school day were set aside for socialization and peer play, organized by school social worker Marisa Taddeo.
“Play is a powerful tool for social-emotional growth,” Taddeo said. “Opportunities like the Global School Day of Play allow our students to practice important social skills in an authentic way. Days like today reinforce that learning doesn’t stop at academics — it happens through connection and shared experiences as well.”
Students participated in non-electronic activities that encouraged teamwork, communication and problem-solving, including strategy games, board games and shared group play.
Each grade level also focused on a specific social-emotional learning skill introduced during morning meeting and practiced throughout the play sessions. Kindergartners worked on turn-taking and sharing, while fourth graders concentrated on problem-solving strategies when challenges arose.
“When you take turns, you have to learn to wait your turn, you have to learn to share and you have to learn to let everyone have a turn so we can be fair,” teacher Jenna Russo said.
Teacher Brittany Grassi guided fourth-grade students in discussions about resolving conflicts and finding solutions during play.
To reinforce the lessons, teachers held student reflection activities following the event. The school’s multipurpose room was also converted into a game room for indoor recess during lunchtime.
Students were also given a no-homework day, allowing families to continue enjoying playtime together at home.
