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Children enjoying the Power of Play on Group Swing at Brighton Preschool

Play is a fundamental human function. Play for children, adolescents and adults is an important part of learning, positive self-image, emotional and social wellbeing. The Power of Play extends into every aspect of our lives, even school. So, why don’t we play more?

We don’t play more because we don’t value play over hard work in our fast-paced modern culture. Play is essential for young children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. It is also essential to adolescents and adult’s wellbeing. Play is the inner joyfulness of a person who is experiencing an activity for the simple reason of doing the activity. No actual result is needed, wanted, or recognized. The joy during the activity itself is the purpose. Swinging in a hammock in the back yard, enjoying a walk or playing a game of soccer in an open field are all ways we can enjoy moments of play. What is your favorite and most joyful activity?

PLAY as Priority – We know play is important and even essential, now it’s time for us to prioritize play! If you don’t know the answer to our last question, what is your favorite and most joyful activity, it is time for you to figure it out. Block off your next few Saturday mornings and think about what might bring you a smile – then do it. That is right, block off your calendar!  Scheduling time for play is how you will begin to make it a priority in your life.

PLAY during the Holiday Season – The holiday season can be a challenging time to bring more fun to your days. Our family practices the art of saying “no” more often during November and December. We put our family’s favorite activities on the calendar during October and then we hold those beloved times sacred to our family. It helps us say “no” easily because our calendar is just already full, and we feel less stressed about trying to please others. Scheduling our most favorite family fun times is a way we de-stress, stay connected and protect our health during one of the most demanding times of year.

Here are our families list of fun activities: RV travel in November for a weekend away in nature, making gifts for family, decorating the house and tree, caroling in the neighborhood, driving around looking at lights, seeing snow somewhere and baking. These are all scheduled and listed on our family refrigerator calendar! Play is our priority during this time, and we want to get to New Year’s Eve with smiles on our faces and laughter in our ears.

The Study of PLAY – Play has been studied for centuries. Aristotle placed great importance on leisure and recent scientific studies support play as an essential part of life. I could quote tons of studies, famous philosophers, and such, but that doesn’t sound like any fun at all!

The moral: PLAY is not just important; it is life giving. PLAY can help you and your family be healthier and happier. Learn the power of play, what play means to you, and do more of it!

 

Play

Play, play the day away,

I want to play the day away.

I want to jump and laugh and play.

To be free and love the day. Play.

Brighton Center Child Esteban with Mother

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We want to express our deepest gratitude to Girasol, we were not only lost, but also desperate. We did not know the services that the school can provide and that my son, according to his condition and needs, should receive. Neither the aspects or the details most important aspects of an IEP, PLAAFP or ARD, she patiently trained, explained and prepared us for each ARD meeting with the school. At...
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My two boys are now attending Brighton. We tried enrolling my 2 year old at another daycare and he hated it. He would cry as soon as he saw the school and was always crying when I picked him up. Needless to say we took him out in less than a week, and looked for another daycare for him and my infant. That’s when we found Brighton. It’s night and day at Brighton! We are on our second week and t...
Maricela Chavez Krewson | Special Education Support Services
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We look forward to using the help of Brighton Center for years to come. We are truly blessed with Brighton's dedication on making sure that our son has everything he needs in his school life. I also feel empowered to go on my own to my son's ARD meetings now!
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I can't say enough wonderful things about Brighton. Mrs. Kelsey and Mrs. Gina are truly amazing at what they do. My Sebastian has come so far thanks to these wonderful ladies.
Lexi Mosley, Sebastian's Mom | Pediatric Therapy Services

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When I first met Reylan, it was extremely difficult for him, his teachers, and his family just to get through the day. He had been kicked out of six other preschools for his extreme behavioral difficulties, violence, putting others in danger, and inability to regulate his emotions. He was behind on meeting developmental milestones, his classmates were fearful of him, and he was constantly in a str...
Alix Martinez, Brighton’s Preschool Director | Special Education Support Services
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I am truly thankful for my friend referring me to Brighton Center because I honestly do not know where I would be right now without the help of the Education Advocate Team.  They helped me get my son the resources he need to be successful in school!
Takilwa, Asanti's Mom | Special Education Support Services