Knightly News

Imagine a space where trains travel to far away lands, readers cuddle up with a good book, puppet shows are performed daily, and children squeal with glee as they slide inside.  Welcome to the early childhood Play Workshop. 

Located in the Greer Center, the Play Workshop is a new space that provides opportunities for discovery through purposeful play and guided observation. The space is divided into different play spaces, with activities ranging from block play to dramatic play. A castle provides a backdrop for reading favorite storybooks. Another favorite area is the loft slide, centered in the middle of the room, where students can grow their gross motor skills as they climb, crawl and slide through the space.

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” -Kay Redfield Jamison

This summer, the early childhood teachers participated in a book study. After reading the book, “Purposeful Play,” the faculty members engaged in conversations about how to create meaningful play experiences for their students and explored the teacher’s role during play.

The authors of the book quote an excerpt from Stuart Brown in which he states that play is just as needed to a child as food, health, and sleep. During play, children must plan, negotiate, problem solve, and design. Play requires imagination, negotiation, collaboration, and empathy.

The book also noted a study indicating that it takes about 400 repetitions to create a synapse in the brain, unless it’s done through play, in which case it takes only 10-20 repetitions. Play is absolutely critical for early childhood development.

“Play gives kids a chance to practice what they are learning.” -Fred Rogers

Play is the center of the early childhood curriculum at Episcopal. Our unique campus gives us many opportunities and spaces for children to play. In addition to the Play Workshop, the QUEST Center, Outdoor classroom and gardens, the Frazer playground and Coach Dupe Nature Trail all provide the backdrop for purposeful play throughout the day.

In the classrooms, children are playing, too. This year our Prek-4 and kindergarten grade levels adopted the Developing Roots curriculum. This play-based program is a stepping stone into Singapore Math and uses an exploratory, hands-on approach to learning mathematics. Rather than workbooks and worksheets, children are using their bodies to build a number line, hopping from number to number to sequence events, and exploring math through inviting tools like ping pong balls and shaving cream.

“A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.” -Benjamin Spock

This year’s lower school theme is, “Growth,” and students are learning about the power of “yet” in daily morning meetings, SEL lessons from the lower school counselor, Mrs. Lofland, and in their classrooms. Those with a fixed mindset often believe things should come easily to them.  If they try and fail, then it simply means they aren’t any good and should give up. They avoid challenges and may give up easily when faced with a difficult task.

Those with a growth mindset believe if they keep trying or practicing they have the opportunity to get better and eventually succeed.  These individuals are the ones who step up to a challenge and aren’t afraid to make mistakes. They are able to be reflective and learn from their failures.

Play creates a safe environment for children to take risks, make mistakes, make adjustments and try again. A child who knocks over a teetering tower is eager to build it again. Children celebrate when they finally master the monkey bars after months of practice. When a puzzle piece doesn’t fit, they try another spot. Play fosters a growth mindset in children and encourages them to keep trying hard things.

Play is an essential part of child development, as learners begin to navigate the world around them. Teachers provide purposeful opportunities for students to play all day, fostering their growth and development and nurturing a growth mindset.

To learn more about play in the Episcopal early childhood program, or to schedule a campus tour, click here.

Julie Mendes, a 2001 graduate of Episcopal, moved into the role of Director of Early Childhood Programs in 2020 after teaching PreK-4 since 2012. She received both her undergraduate degree and MEd in elementary education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. After teaching second grade in a Dual Language program in Texas public schools for three years, Julie moved abroad to teach first grade at a bilingual school in Gracias, Lempira Honduras. In her role as Director of Early Childhood Programs, Julie provides leadership and support for early childhood students and teachers.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.