Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been brought to my attention that some parents and members of the community are curious about school’s approach to children playing with sticks.
To clarify, we believe that imaginative play, which sometimes involves sticks is an important part of childhood development. Stick play fosters imagination, problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills and social skills, whilst also encouraging risk-taking and self-confidence.
Playing with sticks develops:
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Imagination and Creativity:Sticks are versatile and can be transformed into anything a child can imagine, from wands and swords to bridges and houses.
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Problem Solving:Children learn to figure out how to use sticks to build structures, solve puzzles, or create things, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
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Critical Thinking:Experimenting with sticks, whether to build something or figure out how to use them, encourages critical thinking and trial-and-error learning.
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Open-ended Play:Sticks are a great example of “loose parts” play, which allows for open-ended and creative exploration, unlike toys with specific purposes.
Fine Motor Skills:
Holding, manipulating, and carrying sticks strengthens hand and finger muscles, which are essential for fine motor skills.
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Gross Motor Skills:Moving sticks, lifting them, or using them to build or play games develops gross motor skills like balance, coordination, and strength.
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Spatial Awareness:Using sticks to build or navigate can help children develop spatial awareness and understanding of their surroundings.
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Risk Assessment:Playing with sticks, especially in an outdoor environment, can encourage children to assess risks and develop a sense of caution and self-reliance.
Communication and Cooperation:
Working together to build something with sticks or to play a game requires communication and cooperation, fostering social skills.
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Self-Confidence:Successfully building or creating something with sticks can boost a child’s self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.
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Emotional Regulation:Rough and tumble play with sticks can help children learn to manage their emotions and develop resilience.
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Social Skills:Learning to share sticks and play safely with others develops social skills and empathy.
There are times, however, when stick play is not appropriate – for example if the children are using sticks as weapons to hurt others. If/when this happens staff intervene and following our behaviour policy, discuss the inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour with the children. Children are given the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, however, when unacceptable behaviour is repeated then consequences are put in place. This is to ensure that we keep everyone safe.
We also don’t allow children to bring their sticks into classes or cloakrooms – stick play is for the outdoors.
We have invested heavily in our Forest School area; plant and maintain our trees and teach the children how to care for and look after the trees and plants on school grounds and in the local area. We have no intention of removing our trees or banning stick play. Our uniform is also designed so that children can access our outdoor areas at all times, without needing to change into other clothes.
I hope this clarifies the matter for everyone. Should you have any further comments or questions I would encourage you to contact school directly.
Kind Regards,
Mrs Billington
Headteacher
