Project PlayFit
Assembly & Games Program
Welcome to Project PlayFit...a new and exciting way to help children learn, grow, develop, and live healthy lives through play.
What is Project PlayFit?
Project PlayFit is an on-site assembly and games program that promotes the importance of being active and living a healthy life by using developmentally appropriate games to teach social skills, thinking skills, and motor skills to elementary school children. Is was created by award-winning teacher and author, Curt Hinson, Ph.D., as part of the Trouble-free Playground program. Dr. Hinson’s Trouble-free Playground program is currently being implemented at schools in all 50 states. The Project PlayFit program allows schools to improve the health and fitness levels of children by teaching them appropriate games and activities.
Who is it for?
The Project PlayFit program is for any elementary school with any combination of grades K through 6.
How does it work?
Project PlayFit comes to your school and conducts a 45-minute assembly program related to health, fitness, nutrition and developmentally appropriate play. Then, during your regularly scheduled recess time, the PlayFit instructor will teach fun and active games to the students that they can play for years to come.
Why participate?
Today’s children are more obese and more out of shape then kids of earlier generations. In addition, today’s children have a lot of difficulty with the social aspect of unstructured play situations. Many of these problems occur because:
Today’s children do not engage in play as often as children did 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years ago. They spend more time watching TV, playing video games, or using computers. Play is no longer the favorite pastime of childhood.
Today’s children play inappropriate games because they are placed in adult-level games as early as 4-years old. They miss out on learning fun, kid-level games because they’re constantly pushed to participate in “real” games of soccer, basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey and more.
Today’s children lack the necessary social skills to deal with the conflicts that arise during the inappropriate games they play. This stems from a change in societal norms of what’s acceptable and unacceptable. This can be seen in the violence, cruelty, and overall vulgarity that is depicted in the television shows they watch, and the video or computer games they play.
Today’s children are stressed at a higher level than any other generation of kids before them. The pressure to perform in school or in sports has escalated beyond what many kids can handle.
What are the benefits of the program?
School Benefits
- Less conflicts on the playground
- Better use of recess time by students
- Reduction in bullying on the playground
- Fewer students sent to the office for playground referrals
- Students participate in safer playground games
- Fewer playground injuries
- Improved student morale and motivation
Student Benefits
- New and exciting games to play during recess
- Improved fitness and skill levels
- More participation; less standing around and waiting to play
- More choices to select from
- Improved self-esteem through active participation at one’s individual level
Does the school have to provide anything?
No. The Project PlayFit instructor will show up with all the equipment necessary to teach the games to dozens of students at a time.
How many students can participate?
The introductory assembly program can be done for hundreds of students at one time. However, some larger schools prefer to divide their students into two groups and have two assemblies. Either way is fine. After the assembly, the Project PlayFit Instructor spends the rest of the day meeting with students in smaller groups (one or two classrooms at a time works well), giving them a chance to play some of the games. This portion of the program can be done outside if weather permits, or inside using a gymnasium or multi-purpose room.
How much does it cost?
To bring the Project PlayFit program to your school or camp for a day, the cost starts at $1400 plus travel for the instructor. This includes both the assembly and the game instruction throughout the day. Discounts are available when multiple days are scheduled. Call us toll-free at 1-888-217-9131 to get a specific quote for the fees and travel expenses.
How do I arrange for the Project PlayFit program to come to my school or camp?
Call us toll-free at 1-888-217-9131. We’ll be happy to discuss possible dates and times with you. And, if you have any questions, we’ll be glad to answer them for you.
How do I find out more about the Trouble-free Playground program?
You can call us toll-free at 1-888-217-9131 or click on the Trouble-free Playground workshop link above to access more information.
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