The Nurture Play Project

WHAT IS THE NURTURE PLAY PROJECT (NPP)?

The Nurture Play Project is an exciting support program we are offering to selected schools to strengthen children’s emotional, behavioral and social development. Sylvia and volunteers work collaboratively with the school to create a relaxing, nurturing, imaginative play space at the school site. Support staff and paraprofessionals are selected on the basis of personal maturity, experience, and their ability to relate to children, and are trained to provide ‘Special Time’ in this playspace with at-risk students.  We provide ongoing trauma informed training integrating non-directive play, Inner Bonding, trauma healing and whole child awareness, while an on-site supervisor provides weekly supervision.
Goals of the Nurture Play Project
To support the child’s innate capacity for healing

To build children’s self esteem and confidence

To support a child’s relationship building/connection skills

To have a positive connection with another adult figure at school.
To increase a child’s sense of security and safety in school.
To minimize off task behaviors so that more learning can occur for all.
How does NPP work?
Children in this program meet weekly for 8 to 12 weeks of individual, thirty minute play sessions with their ” Special Friend.” Specific scheduling for time in the Nurture Play Room is coordinated with the child’s teacher to minimize disruptions to the child’s instructional day.

In the weekly sessions the child and Special Friend engage in various activities including art, non-directive play and games, all child led. The playroom is a space where the child gets to lead, an experience that is rare in many children’s lives. In doing so, their inner spark is supported and they are able to reconnect to their own resiliency.  “Special Friends” are trained to work with children in non-judgmental, non-directive, and supportive manner. This supportive relationship builds the child’s self esteem and confidence.
How are the children selected for this program?
All K-5 students are screened by a process that includes input from teachers and other school professionals, school staff, and parents. This process helps to insure that children who might benefit most from the program are identified. Written parental consent is required for enrollment.

Benefits of NPP
Participation in the Nurture Play Program can help increase children’s emotional literacy and strengthen resiliency. decompress maintain a positive attitude toward school. This one-to-one, non-stressful play experience often gives children the relief they need to return to their studies with a refreshed attitude. When children feel a positive connection toward school, the more likely they are to complete their education career.
Play
In the early formative years, play is almost synonymous with life. It is second only to being nourished, protected and loved. It is a basic ingredient of physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth.
-Ashley Montague