JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Sixth-grade students from Chautauqua Lake, Ripley, and Falconer schools attended a Day of Play at SUNY Jamestown Community College in March. The goal of the event was to expose students to a college campus before they get to high school.
"We know that playing has a whole host of benefits, including helping with cognitive development," said Jade Barber, JCC's director of High School Partnerships. "We wanted to create an opportunity for middle school students to connect with JCC students and faculty in a fun way."
The 135 students who attended engaged in one of three categories of play: constructive, problem-solving, and sports. Games and activities were coordinated by students in JCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Education programs.
“Play is one of the most meaningful occupations of childhood, shaping how children learn, build relationships, solve problems, and engage with the world around them," said Sarah Tranum, JCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program director and professor. "Day of Play gave area students the chance to experience those benefits firsthand, while also giving JCC OTA students a valuable opportunity to put classroom learning into practice by designing and leading activities that promote development, participation, and fun."
“The day was a win-win-win for everyone involved," added Jacob Hordych, JCC assistant professor and chair of Sport Management and Physical Education Studies. "Local students got exposure to JCC and some of our offerings, they connected with our students in an enjoyable way, and our JCC students were able to give back a bit while also getting some real-world experience.”
At the end of the day, students met some JCC faculty members and learned about how students can connect the type of play they enjoy to possible future careers. The day was coordinated by JCC's High School Partnerships, Admissions, Career Services, OTA, and Physical Education departments.