Observations

Dear Campus School Families,

It is always illuminating to watch our students during recess. The variety of
games and activities being played, from kickball to dramatic presentations to
quiet drawing, is a testament to the many interests our students have and the
varying ways they find meaning during their free time. It also reminds me of
how valuable unstructured play time is for the emotional, physical, and
cognitive growth of children.

Some students challenge themselves physically during recess. They walk on
stilts. Or play basketball. Others learn how to compromise or negotiate while
they play in a group. Still others solve problems while they build a new
structure with rocks, sticks and dirt. And sometimes students are happy to
simply be - and immerse themselves in the joy of being a child. The unifying
reality in these varied activities is how engaged students are - what they are
doing is meaningful and often fun and challenging, initiated by and for
themselves. This is a very good space for children to occupy.

The power of unstructured play is real and necessary - and something to
safeguard in this age where schools scrap recess in favor of even more
standardized curricula and tests. That's not how we operate at the Campus
School - and our students are happier and more complete for it.

Warmly,
Chris