John Wetten Elementary students will benefit from a $350 Gladstone Education Foundation (GEF) grant allowing school counselors to purchase items to build a comprehensive playroom and hold play-based groups for students. GEF provided funding to purchase items such as puppets, a puppet theater and bop bag for the play space. John Wetten Elementary counselor Rachel Gordon noted that child-led play is an evidence-based intervention that supports our students’ growth in a myriad of ways: academically, socially and behaviorally.
Evidence supports that participating students will learn to respect themselves and others as well as discover that their feelings are acceptable. Child-led, play-based group therapy provides an opportunity for children to process their feelings and experiences using the language of play which is fundamental to their healthy development.
“Through the process of play in a safe environment in which the facilitator demonstrates unconditional positive regard for each child, they are able to overcome internal struggles which leads to higher academic outcomes, increased attendance and positive peer and adult relationships,” Gordon said.
Currently our counseling team is providing play-based groups for all students at the Gladstone Center for Children & Families as part of our comprehensive school counseling program.
“In our time with these groups, we have witnessed students develop communication skills, name the emotion they are feeling, experience safety and belonging, problem solve with peers as well as build their self awareness and awareness of others,” Gordon said.
Play-based groups aim to help students have a strong sense of self and confidence, while accepting limits and consequences to their actions. Students become more self-reliant, increase their trust in self, experience a sense of control, and learn a variety of coping skills.
Gordon hopes to boost Gladstone attendance data by having students begin to master skills and build self confidence through our new program aimed to increase students’ motivation to participate in activities in and out of the classroom.
As we continue to evolve our work as a district with our Culture of Care, Gordon said that providing these evidence based, culturally and developmentally responsive groups fall in alignment with our district ideals of creating a safe and affirming environment for all children.