Making Play Work at Torah Day
Above: Rabbi Joshua Einzig, the Torah Day head of school, joins third-, fourth- and fifth-graders on the kickball field.
Torah Day School of Atlanta in mid-November began implementing training teachers received from Boston-based Playworks on how to give every child the opportunity for safe, inclusive and meaningful play.
The training aims to counter the problem of children feeling excluded or getting into conflicts during recess. The goal is for every child to return to class after having a positive play experience.
Torah Day hired Playworks as an investment for the future because students who play well together learn well together.
The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys played kickball outside in pre-assigned teams while their teachers were on the field, taking part in the fun. Having the teachers involved helped ensure a harmonious atmosphere, and the children got to play in a large group, cheer for their teams and work together.
The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade girls participated in team-building activities, such as passing a Hula Hoop from one girl to the next around a circle that included teachers. The girls cheered for each student and teacher making a successful pass.
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