The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
Right Start Blog
Play Remains at The Country School
Recess makes students more attentive at school, yet it is at risk or gone from a growing number of U.S. schools. But not here!
As modern society continues to pressure children to achieve and accomplish things at ever younger ages (and according to adult standards), a significant reduction in free, unstructured time results both at school and at home. Music lessons, sports, and even screen time mean less creative play time after school, and many schools are lessening or even eliminating recess for their students to make way for more “productive,” academic subjects.
But recess serves as a critical break for children from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom. Just as adults feel a pull to pop out of the office or even just stand and stretch during the work day, so, too, do children need the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of recess with their peers. Science and psychology prove that child-initiated play forms social skills, encourages creativity, teaches problem-solving, and builds confidence. It also gives children a necessary sense of control over their world for at least a portion of the school day—a time when they don’t feel burdened to perform or answer to an adult, and can instead just be.
Country School students enjoy two scheduled recesses per day, and Kindergarteners often get three. Play continues to be a priority through 8th grade; even our oldest students get these breaks to leave the classroom behind and play like the kids they are. The joy of play and the process of self-discovery it affords our children deserve to be treated with as much respect and importance as does the mastery of math, science, and literacy. And at TCS, it is.
Recent Posts
List of 5 news stories.
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What Do We Mean When We Say 'Executive Function' Skills?
Learning Specialist Linda Rajacich demystifies the term 'executive function' skills and shares how The Country School imparts the knowledge for our students to gain self-awareness as to how they learn best.Read More
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Stress Management for Families
Country School Counselors Linda Schuerholz and Anne McCauley offer some helpful resources for managing stress as a family.Read More -
Why Traditions Matter
The Country School community is overflowing with history and tradition. In this blog post, we take a look at the importance of traditions in school life - and why they matter beyond graduation.Read More -
Adopting a "Do Less" Mentality
In a recent "Hidden Brain" podcast, the concept of less being more is examined.Read More
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2022 Summer Camp Guide
Check out the many great ways to keep your kids busy this summer with our 2022 Summer Camp Guide!Read More
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The Country School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational, admission, and employment policies, or its financial aid, athletic, and other school administered programs.
