An exhibit at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre called 'Nature of Play' guides visitors along a series of interactive activities designed to highlight how play is different than other physical and mental activities. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Helen Schuler exhibit highlights importance of play

Mar 6, 2024 | 12:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Helen Schuler Nature Centre is shining a spotlight on the importance of play.

An exhibit called Nature of Play, which opened in summer 2023, guides visitors along a series of interactive activities designed to highlight how play is different than other physical and mental activities.

Coreen Putman, manager of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre said, “As people move through the stations, they’re not only engaging in play but they’re also learning what defines play as play.”

“As you move along, you’ll learn about some of the social benefits, some of the physical benefits, the mental and the emotional benefits that happen as people of all ages engage in play.”

LETHBRIDGE PLAY CHARTER

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In 2018, the City of Lethbridge formally endorsed the Lethbridge Play Charter, created by Lethbridge Plays. The document outlines a commitment by the City and various local groups to support play that encourages physical, emotional and social development as well as embrace the climate of Lethbridge by supporting play year-round.

READ MORE: Lethbridge City Council adopts ‘Play Charter’

Vicki Hazelwood, University of Lethbridge Research Associate said, “Prior to 2018, few people really knew what a Play Charter was or why it’s important.

She continued, “And since then, Lethbridge Plays has been working collaboratively with over 30 organizations and stakeholders in the community to create play resources, host workshops and play summits, and build awareness about the importance of play.”

BENEFIT TO STUDENTS

Young learners in Lethbridge will benefit from the display at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

An exhibit-focused field trip titled The Power of Play, meets Alberta curriculum objectives for students in grade two to four. Officials said that while skill development in areas like physical literacy and dexterity were expected outcomes, there have also been surprising benefits.

Taylor Hecker, Helen Schuler Nature Centre Program Leader said, “A lot of this stuff falls under computer science, believe it or not. Things like following instructions or using creativity for problem solving or working together as a group. Those are actually part of the computer science curriculum and even though there’s no computers involved; those are still skills that they’re developing.”

The Nature of Play was originally slated to end in March, but due to its popularity, the exhibit’s opening has been extended until the end of June.

READ MORE: Lethbridge City Council adopts ‘Play Charter’

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