"Play is really the work of childhood." - Fred Rogers
Play makes children smarter. When children play, they become better communicators, problem solvers, and friends. Play gives children the opportunity to discover and define who they are and to improve memory, focus, brain growth, and brain function, proving that play serves a dual purpose for learning: it is fun, and it is essential.
In addition to our strong academic program, Serendipity students engage in two types of play: convergent and divergent.
A convergent problem has one solution; so, too, does convergent play (puzzles are one example). Convergent play tends to make children better at understanding and solving very specific types of problems with one solution.
Divergent play, such as building with blocks and imaginative play, has numerous and often endless possibilities. It, therefore, gives children practice at divergent problem-solving. Studies have shown that children who receive more opportunities for divergent play are more likely to accept that there are multiple solutions to problems, are less likely to stop at one solution, are more creative in their approach to problem solving, and have an increased ability to generate multiple solutions to problems. In other words, divergent play makes children better and deeper thinkers.
Play is good for children, but how does that play out when it comes time to transfer play into pedagogy? The challenge for the parent and educator is to slow down, to step away from the sea of specialized knowledge and narrow content we may feel pressured to paddle through, and to resist the urge to overschedule and overprogram our children. This will create healthy space to introduce new experiences that will expand children’s opportunities to improve transferable life skills. These opportunities may be found in collaborative efforts, project-based learning, critical thinking and problem-solving, creative endeavors, experimentation and healthy risk-taking, and of course lots and lots of play.
The result: our children will be happier, healthier, smarter, and more successful in the future.
Our Pledge
At Serendipity, children love coming to school. We ensure they know they are an important part of our community, and that they experience deep learning through active, joyful discovery. Moreover, children are treated as unique individuals, ensuring that they realize their fullest potential and are prepared for future success and happiness in an ever-changing world.
We pledge to be a positive, inspiring, and supportive influence in the life, growth, and development of each Serendipity School student.