When you look back at your childhood, do you have memories of playing board games with family? Running around with your friends trying to avoid the lava, or staying outside until the sun goes down with nothing but the adventures created by your imagination?
These experiences are so important for developing social skills, learning to communicate, and building relationships. But let's face it, things have changed. Young people today have more documented stress that affects how they view their world. From new stressors like the effects of a global pandemic and increased incidents of violence in schools, to stressors that have always existed, such as difficult family dynamics, economic disparities, and peer pressure, today's students have far less innocence than we might have had 30 years ago.
How do we combat the stress these young people are dealing with, while still helping them face and address the more serious issues? We can't tell them all to grab a board game, but what we can do is help them find a balance between everyday life and taking some time out to process, relax, and just be young.
As the Director of the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) at Binghamton University, I've seen the incredible impact that intentional play can have on our students. I'm talking about more than just a quick game – it's about embedding structured playtime, whether through board games or a game of tag, right at the heart of our learning environment. This kind of play doesn't just reduce stress and enhance well-being; it's fundamental to creating a nurturing educational strategy.
While traditional educational approaches focus heavily on direct interventions, we at LPP have embraced something just as critical with the inclusion of intentional play. We provide our students with a deliberate space to unwind and step away from their daily struggles; a concept that is often underestimated.
The science is there. Studies have shown that play can dramatically decrease cortisol levels – that's the stress hormone – and increase feelings of happiness. When you think about the intense environment of educational settings, offering students a way to engage in intentional play isn't just nice to have; it's essential for their stress relief and mental well-being.
At LPP we're not just talking theory. We've put this into practice, making play a core part of what we offer. Sure, it's entertainment. That's what makes it "play". But it's also a strategic, integral part of our mission to support the whole student for success.
Jerome, an alumni from the Binghamton LPP, reinforced the value of this approach when we spoke with him. He told us that what the LPP provided – beyond the academic help and the advocacy from adults he could trust – was a space to decompress. And according to him, that space was transformative.
Jerome's story really drives home the necessity of allowing students, especially those dealing with ongoing trauma, the chance to breathe and step away briefly from stress. He shared how being continuously confronted with personal issues, especially in a space meant for learning and growth, can be more than just challenging – it can be retraumatizing. That's why the safe haven we offer through play – where students like Jerome can find a moment of peace – is so critical.
Reflecting on feedback like this reinforces the importance of weaving intentional play and relaxation into our educational framework. It's about more than momentary relief; it contributes to a student's long-term stability and success.
As director, I am deeply committed to ensuring that LPP stays responsive to our students' real needs, integrating valuable feedback like this into how we evolve and improve our program.
As educational strategies evolve, the importance of intentional play remains clear. Our experiences and research firmly show that play is crucial for the success of our students. It's not just about games – it's about shaping a better, more supportive learning environment for everyone.