The Problem:

A scene to touch all our hearts, teachers and parents alike, is that of children all on their own in the playground saying: "I have no-one to play with". I have found this to be an area of great concern to teachers and frequently a basis for staff-room discussion. Parents also have similar concerns. They consistently tell me that their primary concern is that their child is happy; that their child has "settled" in school.

One Solution:

In the same way that Programmes like Shared Reading and Peer-Supported Reading can contribute to a school’s Early Intervention Literacy Programme, "PlayTeachers" can contribute to the social and emotional well-being of pupils through it’s resources on teaching children how to play.

How to Teach:

The following is one simple suggestion of how schools can successfully organise and teach these games:

First, groups of two pupils from a more senior class work with groups of 6 or 8 younger pupils. Each group (consisting of two senior pupils and say, 6 junior class pupils) would go to the playground, say 10 minutes before the lunch break under the supervision of the junior class teacher. The seniors would then introduce, teach and supervise a new playground game.

The Playground Games:

This Web Site aims to be a resource for Teachers and Parents interested in the ideals outlined above. But it can only work if it’s visitors contribute to it’s effectiveness. Therefore, I would ask that visitors would share one game in return for using this resource.