Free-Play at High School - Panel Conversation
Free-Play at High School - Panel Conversation

Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.

Welcome to season 5 of Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.! In this episode we discuss the importance of free play and opportunities for unstructured time for students. This is part of our continuted disucssion on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Key...

InspiringInformativeSupportiveEngagingHopeful

13:28•3 Feb 2025

RSS Feed

About this podcast

Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.

DESE Podcasts

Dr. Betsy Kindall, Nicole Fairchild and Dr. Stacy Moore discuss Arkansas A.W.A.R.E. - a project to Advance Wellness And Resiliency in Education. Project A.W.A.R.E. is a grant program funded by S.A.M.H.S.A. (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Betsy is an educator, a licensed school counselor and the Statewide Coordinator for Arkansas A.W.A.R.E. She has worked in Arkansas schools for nearly 20 years. Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in schools for about 10 years. She is the project manager at one of the Arkansas A.W.A.R.E.. remote sites. Stacy is a Behavior Support Specialist/School Psychologist with Arkansas A.W.A.R.E. and has been working in Arkansas schools over 15 years. They love working together and this podcast is a result of the creative energy synthesized through their conversations about mental health awareness. They begin by sharing a little about their previous work background and goals for this podcast series. In subsequent episodes, they focus on individual topics related to school culture and mental health. Their conversations are as witty and entertaining as they are informative. They share touching personal stories and address real-life situations that will help enable every listener to become more A.W.A.R.E. of the world around them. The episodes in this series are generally less than ten minutes long, but are packed with valuable information and commentary that will leave you wanting more! New episodes are scheduled for release weekly, every Monday. This project is dedicated to Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education. Please feel free to subscribe to this podcast and join us as we strive to help everyone become more A.W.A.R.E.! Website: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/learning-services/school-health-services/arkansas-aware Produced by Donnie Lee Music: https://www.purple-planet.com More information: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/communications/dese-podcasts

Emotional HealthSobriety ToolkitBody & MindMindful RecoveryRelationships

Episodes: 135

View Podcast Visit External Site

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

The Power of Free Play in Schools

Episode Overview

Free play enhances students' mental health and social skills.
Valley Springs school district implements flex days and outdoor activities.
Unstructured time reduces bullying and increases student engagement.
Students benefit from risk-taking and social interaction outside the classroom.
Phone-free policies contribute to a positive school environment.

“The social skills that kids have developed throughout this process, just with the free play, among other things... they're nicer to each other.”

Imagine a high school where students have a 'flex day' once a month, complete with outdoor activities, and even the occasional Nerf gun war. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in this episode of Arkansas A.W.A.R.E., Dr. Betsy Kindall, Nicole Fairchild, and Dr. Stacy Moore discuss the importance of free play for students.

They are joined by Valley Springs school district members and students who share their experiences with the school's innovative approach to integrating unstructured time into the school day. From flex days to outdoor volleyball games, these initiatives aim to provide students with opportunities for risk-taking, social interaction, and simply having fun outside the structured classroom environment. The episode highlights how these efforts have positively impacted students' mental health and social skills, reducing bullying and increasing engagement.

If you're curious about how free play can transform the school experience, this episode is a must-listen.

PreviousAdministrators Speak about Going Phone-Free at School - Panel Conversation

NextHIPAA or FERPA?