Recreation

Play is important for the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development of children. In addition to being critical for general health and a preventative against overweight, play develops life skills for children and communication skills among peers and family members.

At New Light we give children the access to creative arts, music, dance and physical education programs. Recreational activity benefits extend to psychological well-being. Play provides an opportunity for the children to shine in areas that are not strictly academic and thus contributes to the child's personal sense of pride and belonging in their school environment. This has the potential to discourage truancy and encourage children to remain in school to complete their education.

Play allows for a different quality of interaction between parent and child, one that allows parents to 'listen' in a very different, but productive way. When we observe our children playing or join them in child-driven play, we, at New Light, can view the world through the child's eyes and therefore, also learn to communicate or offer guidance more effectively.