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Play for Peace Denver: Games at Schmitt Elementary

“In this past year with Play for Peace, I have seen the kids grow and learn new things that they never thought possible.  When they first started, it really was a struggle to get them together for group games. As time went on, they were asking us every day if we were doing PFP games.”  - Shannon Whitmer, After School Coordinator with Schmitt Elementary

  Recently, Play For Peace held an end-of-year party with Schmitt Elementary School in Denver, Colorado.  Our facilitators included Shannon Whitmer, After School Coordinator and Play for Peace mentor; Craig Dobkin, Play for Peace co-founder; and Curt Garrett, Supervisor for Denver Parks and Recreation. The session included the participation of ten children, and used Play for Peace games to host a lively and informative party. The club played a game where the kids were divided up into two groups.  The objective was to move the ball from one end of the gym to the other, but participants could only take three steps before having to pass the ball to another teammate. Meanwhile, the other team would either guard their players or try to intercept the ball.  If the ball was dropped, it was switched to the other team.  The children not only had fun, but were encouraged to learn about teamwork. As Shannon noted:
"The kids were the ones who came up with the idea to play this game, so they were really into it. I think a lot of these kids come from homes or backgrounds where they see and hear violence.  I think having Play for Peace in their lives really changes the way they view how to play games and even how to interact with other children."
This is the first year that Denver Parks and Recreation has been working with Play for Peace, and they were hosted in two different schools among our programs. Shannon graciously shared two stories with me regarding the young participants. One student was very shy when she first started the program, and also when she started doing Play for Peace.  Sometimes, when it was her turn to speak in front of the group, she would cry and leave the game. Over time, however, she slowly began to realize how much fun she could have in front of a group.  Participating in Play for Peace games, she began to learn how to engage and become friends with other students, which allowed her to open up in front of them. Being in this same group all year, she developed new leadership skills and learned to feel comfortable in a group setting.  Her grandmother really appreciated seeing her progress throughout the year.  As Shannon recalled, "It was great to see her really open up and shine!" Another student has been doing the after-school program ever since he was able to, from age 5. He had language and communication barriers, and was shy because other students struggled to understand him. Joining Play for Peace really helped him grow and make new friends in a group setting.  He once told Shannon that being around a large group was difficult at times because he never felt comfortable. Shannon said, “Watching him lead some of the games and always wanting to be the person who explains them to other students was really awesome to witness as he progressed through the year." image3 everybody