Spanish Town school joins Play Day observance
Published:Friday | February 6, 2026 | 12:10 AMRasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
A Spanish Town early-childhood school was among several institutions across Jamaica that marked Play Day on Wednesday, a national observance highlighting the role of play in learning, development and emotional wellbeing.
At the Kingdom Builders Early Childhood Development Centre on Monk Street, teachers and caregivers set aside routine classroom instruction to allow pupils to engage in interactive games designed to stimulate learning through play. The school, which has operated for three decades, observed Play Day as part of activities organised by the Early Childhood Commission.
During a visit to the centre, students were seen participating in board games that encouraged counting and spelling, competing in simple challenges, and exploring activities such as miniature golf and a boxing equipment adapted for young children.
Principal Denise Williams-Hardly said the initiative formed part of a wider programme of activities for Early Childhood Commission week. “It engage the students in activities, which they learn from in a more interactive way,” she said.
“Our students comes from the Rivoli community and as far Portmore they are supervised by six teachers,” Williams-Hardly added.
She said the school has also planned educational outings, including a visit to the airport, to expose students to air travel and other forms of movement as part of their learning experience. The approach, she said, was intended to support holistic development, combining lessons in mathematics, history and social awareness through play-based methods.
Play Day Jamaica was observed on February 4, as part of the global observance of Global School Play Day. The initiative underscores the role of play as a teaching, learning and therapeutic tool, emphasising that play is not an optional extra, but a foundation for healthy development, resilience and lifelong learning.
EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
The observance is organised through a partnership involving UNICEF Jamaica, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, the Early Childhood Commission and a growing network of corporate and non-governmental partners. While Play Day is marked annually, organisers describe it as part of a broader effort to embed evidence-based, play-centred approaches in classrooms, family life and community spaces across the island.
Research cited by UNICEF shows that play supports cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, enhances creativity and problem-solving skills, and plays a critical role in mental health. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, play has taken on added significance as part of ongoing psychological first aid efforts aimed at helping children, families and caregivers cope with disruption and loss.
Guided and free play activities, according to UNICEF, can reduce anxiety, strengthen coping skills and rebuild social connections, not only for children, but also for the adults who support them.
Dr Rebecca Tortello, an education specialist, has been promoting play-based learning through resources shared on UNICEF Jamaica’s social-media platforms. “As Jamaica continues to elevate the importance of play, the call is simple, but powerful: Make time to play, not just on Play Day JA, but every day,” Tortello said.
“Whether through traditional games, imaginative outdoor fun, or playful learning activities at home and in schools, play unlocks learning, strengthens bonds and nurtures healthier, happier communities for generations to come,” she explained.
She added that investment in play environments should be treated as essential. “Play spaces are not optional add-ons to schools and communities. They are essential infrastructure. Well-designed play environments support learning, emotional regulation, social connection and resilience. When children have safe, inclusive places to play, they are better able to learn, recover from stress and build the skills they need for life. Investing in play spaces is therefore an investment in stronger schools, healthier communities and more resilient societies,” she said.