Child, Youth and Family Services
Health and Community Services
May 25, 2012
Campaign Promotes The Power of Play
The Power of Play, a multi-media promotional campaign designed to highlight and encourage play-based learning, was launched at St. Matthew’s Elementary School in St. John’s today (Friday, May 25). Those in attendance had the opportunity to preview print, radio and television advertisements which will run over the course of the next year.
“The campaign promotes the fact that it is through everyday activities and opportunities to play, alone or with others, that children first learn valuable skills that will eventually help them to be successful in school, and in life,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Play fosters the imagination and the development of skills such as literacy and numeracy. But equally as important, it is through play that children develop self control, good inter-personal skills, and learn to problem-solve, negotiate conflicts, and think for themselves.”
Minister Jackman noted the $100,000 campaign is primarily aimed at parents and caregivers of children up to age eight. It was developed in partnership with the Departments of Child, Youth and Family Services, and Health and Community Services.
“Our government recognizes the importance of play-based learning whether it is at home, in a child care setting, a family resource program or a drop-in play group,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “When children are actively involved in play they are provided with a variety of opportunities to create, explore, learn and interact with others. The department will continue to work closely with Education and Health and Community Services to promote play-based learning in child care settings.”
Budget 2012: People and Prosperity provides almost $1.7 million to implement the second year of the province’s early childhood learning strategy, Learning from the Start, which is designed to enhance early learning opportunities for young children and their families. It is part of a three-year $4.8 million investment, first announced last year.
“The Provincial Government is focused on advancing wellness priorities and this campaign will enable parents to encourage healthy, active living for their children,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “I am proud to say that The Power of Play furthers the goals of the Provincial Wellness Plan, through which our government invests $4.2 million annually.
For more information on The Power of Play campaign, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/earlychildhood/power.html.
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Media contacts:
| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Michelle Hunt Director of Communications Department of Child, Youth and Family Services 709-729-5148, 725-1593 michellehunt@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
2012 05 25 10:30 a.m.