Dear Parents and Carers of St Kevin’s,

As your child grows, they move through important developmental stages that shape how they think, feel, and interact with others. One of the most powerful tools to support this growth is play. Whilst doing playground duty, I observe where the students are in their development through the games they choose to engage in. Watching children learn and play tells us so much about where they need assistance in areas such as sharing or teamwork, or perhaps they demonstrate leadership qualities through their patience and explanations of rules to younger students. Sometimes the competition gets rather intense during play, but this too is a learning opportunity for all - following rules, turn taking, fair play and being aware of different skill levels of peers.

Understanding Child Development

Children develop in stages—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Each stage builds on the last, and play is a key part of this journey. Through play, children learn to:

• Explore their environment
• Solve problems
• Express emotions
• Build relationships

Why Play Matters

Play is more than fun—it’s how children learn. Whether it's imaginative play, building with blocks, or playing games with others, children develop:

• Creativity and curiosity
• Language and communication skills
• Emotional resilience
• Motor skills and coordination

Development from Ages 5 to 12 with Game Examples

Ages 5–7: Learning the Basics

Children at this age are developing foundational social and cognitive skills. They benefit from games that encourage imagination, cooperation, and simple rule-following.

Examples:

• Duck, Duck, Goose – Encourages turn-taking and physical activity.
• Pretend Play (e.g. shops, superheroes) – Builds creativity and social understanding.
• Simple board games (e.g. Candy Land, Snakes & Ladders) – Teaches patience and rule-following.
• Building blocks or LEGO – Supports fine motor skills and problem-solving.

Ages 8–10: Expanding Social Skills

Children begin to enjoy more structured and strategic play. They are better at understanding rules and working in teams.

Examples:

• Team sports (e.g. soccer, netball) – Builds teamwork and communication.
• Board games with strategy (e.g. Uno, Connect Four) – Enhances planning and decision-making.
• Group projects or scavenger hunts – Encourages collaboration and leadership.
• Creative games (e.g. Minecraft, drawing challenges) – Fosters imagination and cooperation.

Ages 11–12: Building Independence and Identity

Older children seek more independence and complex challenges. They enjoy games that involve strategy, leadership, and peer interaction.

Examples:

• Debate games or role-playing scenarios – Develops critical thinking and empathy.
• Sports with positions and tactics (e.g. basketball, hockey) – Strengthens teamwork and strategic thinking.
• Collaborative board games (e.g. Codenames, Pandemic) – Promotes communication and shared goals.
• STEM challenges or coding games – Encourages problem-solving and innovation.

Sharing, Taking Turns, and Teamwork

These social skills are essential for healthy relationships and success in school and life. Through group play, children learn:

• Sharing – Understanding fairness and empathy
• Taking Turns – Practicing patience and self-control
• Teamwork – Collaborating, listening, and respecting others' ideas

As educators and families, we can support children by encouraging cooperative play, modeling positive behavior, and celebrating small successes in social interactions.

Thank you for partnering with us to nurture your child’s growth. Together, we can help them build the skills they need to thrive—now and in the future.

Warm regards,

Mary-anne Jennings
Principal

Staff on leave  

Mrs Jennings is on leave September 5 – September 24 

Miss Wiseman is on leave September 15 – October 14 

Mrs Morgan is on leave from September 15 – September 24 

Please contact the school office if you have any questions about your child during this time.