Can Play-based learning help my students develop Resilience and Reduce their anxiety?

 

Due to the uncertainty that we are all facing including our students. My focus in term 1 was to create an environment to give my students opportunities to play.

Most of my students engaged and seemed to enjoy the play activities provided for them. However, all students in my class played in different stages of play.  (Solitary Play, Spectator Play, Parallel play and Cooperative Play)

Solitary Play-5 students	Spectator Play-2 students
Parallel play-5 students	Cooperative Play-2 students

I have noticed in term 1, there were 3 students who seemed to be very anxious, emotional, got upset easily and begin to self-harm.

Student 1-

Was always anxious about the weather when it was cloudy and rainy. Wanted to be the first in everything and got upset if he was not getting attention, rewards or praises. He often cried and needed a staff member to help settle him.

Student 2-

Was non-compliance, reluctant to follow directions given and often does the opposite of what is asked of him. This student was quite difficult to motivate to stay on task. He ignored instructions given and dropped to the ground if he does not want to.

Student 3-

Often got upset when he was asked to do something that he did not want to do. Once his name was mentioned he started crying. Sometimes he hurt himself by hitting his face. 

This raises a question for me on what to focus on in my Inquiry for this year.

“Can Play-based learning help my students develop Resilience and Reduce their anxiety?”