Play2Learn

A Program of Linden Street and Toffolon Schools

with Mrs. Milo and Mr. Massé

What is Play2Learn?

    Play2Learn is a program designed to

                - provide support for children in grades K-3

                - aid in the early detection of school adjustment

                - intervene early to help prevent small problems from becoming serious problems

Who is likely to benefit from Play2Learn?

    Play2Learn has proven to be an effective program for non-special education students who are experiencing difficulties which could interfere with learning.  These might include:

                - being overly shy, aggressive or moody

                - experiencing family crisis situations such as divorce, separation,serious illness, death...

How does Play2Learn work?

    Children in the Play2Learn program meet

                - with a Child Associate

                - in a specially equipped playroom

                - one or two times a week

                - individually or in small groups

    Through a child-centered approach, the Child Associate assists each child in working toward an appropriate established goal.  The parents are involved in helping establish a goal for their child.

    Through secial programs and frequent home-school communication, the Play2Learn team works with parents in helping their child to achieve his or her goal.

    If you would like more information concerning this exciting program, please call the school at 860.793.3280 to speak with a member of the Play2Learn Team.

The history of Primary Project:

    The original model for Play2Learn began in Rochester, N.Y. in 1958.  the Rochester program has a distinguished reputation as well as documented effectiveness.  Positive effects on children have included improved self-esteem, improved academic performance, more appropriate peer interactions and a more enthusiastic and confident attitude toward school.

    The principal oversees the administrative duties of the program in the schools.  The supervisor, Suzanne Schweitzer, School Psychologist, and the School Social Worker, Gail Figliola train and support the Child Associate with problem-solving information and insights as needed.  the classroom teacher plays a key role in recommending which children can benefit from the program.  It is his/her insights which are valuable in the final selection of Play2Learn students.

    Diane Milo and Mike Massé are the Child Associates who work directly with the participating students.  Besides the ongoing supervision and training that they receive from the psychologist and social worker, they have participated in several training sessions offered by the State Department of Education.

    Play is the method used in Play2Learn to foster positive changes in children.  Parent involvement is essential in assisting with their child's goal.  Each child spends one or two sessions per week of approximately 30 minutes with the Child Associate engaged in goal oriented enjoyable activities such as board games, puppet play or special projects.  As the year progresses, some children who need to practice social skills work together in small groups with the Child Associate.

Play2Learn Program is available to children at Linden Street and Toffolon Elementary Schools through a grant from the State Department of Education, Connecticut.

     

               Linden Street School                           Toffolon School

                

Mrs. Suzanne Greenbacker - Principal            Mrs. Lynn Logoyke  -  Principal

Mrs. Suzanne Schweitzer - School Psychologist/Supervisor     Ms. Jeri Lyn Turkowitz, School Psychologist

Mrs. Gail Figliola  -  District Social Worker

Mrs. Diane Milo  -  Child Associate, Linden and Toffolon

Mr. Mike Massé  -  Child Associate, Linden