The Goddard School, 10611 Redmond Ridge Dr. NE in Redmond, will participate in Play for Tomorrow’s Ultimate Block Party, a nationwide
event to recognize and celebrate the power of play for learning.
“Playful learning has always been at the heart of the curriculum at The Goddard School,” according to Redmond owner Shauna Barison.
“It’s been clear to us all along that children learn best when new skills are presented to them in a playful and engaging way, and now there is a whole body of research to back us up,” Barison said.
The Goddard School has been selected as the exclusive national preschool sponsor of Play for Tomorrow’s Ultimate Block Party because of “its long-standing commitment to the importance of play in early childhood education,” said Sue Adair, director of education and quality assurance for Goddard Systems, Inc. Special activities linked to this event will take place in the bandshell area at New York City’s Central Park on Sunday, Oct. 3 and in mini-block parties at Goddard Schools nationwide during the preceding week.
On Friday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. local time, all Goddard School children will join in a nationwide game of “Simon Says” and then join in singing the Goddard School Play Along song, written exclusively for the school.
Parents will ask their children to take a “Play Pledge” that states, “We believe in the Power of Play. Our family pledges to encourage playful learning. We recognize that play helps children explore and discover and is the foundation of creative and confident learning.”
Barison noted, “Many of the critical life skills that contribute to success in the workplace are actually developed on the playground and in the playroom. Play time helps children develop creative and problem-solving abilities, encourages them to work cooperatively and builds their self-confidence. These are the skills that we need in our government and business leaders of tomorrow.”
To learn more about The Goddard School in Redmond, parents are encouraged to drop in for a tour, call Shauna Barison at (425) 868-8333 or visit www.goddardschool.com/blockparty.
