School is nearly out, and among the students eager for sun and summer activities are twenty primary grade students kindergarden through third grade who got a boost in classroom experience by participating in the imaginative Lopez School PIP playroom. PIP, the acronym for the long-standing successful Primary Intervention Program of the University of Rochester, New York, is designed to help primary grade children make the most of their school experience.
PIP helps to enrich the school experience by providing additional individual attention. Under the observation of HIPAA-certified adult volunteers called Child Associates, children use the playroom for self-directed play, gaining confidence in decision making and working out solutions to playroom-sized problems with competence while affirming their success with the Child Associate.
“The child’s success in solving problems through their own initiative translates to the classroom as a positive experience,” explained Carol Weiss, who is a licensed family therapist coordinating the program with Lopez school counselor Jeanna Carter. A consultant to PIP programs in the islands for the past twenty years, Carol further acknowledged, “Grades kindergarden – third grade provide the foundation for a child’s academic and social learning. PIP students feel recognized and valued just as they are, which increases self-esteem. The non-directive play at the heart of PIP is the child’s language, and their best form of communication.”
Parents and teachers of PIP students are impressed with the strides made by children in school and at home. Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Becca sees great improvement in social integration and communication skills among the children who have attended the PIP play sessions. “My students are exposed to many more children than they are accustomed to both inside the classroom and outside on the playground. Five year olds do not often possess the language or problem solving skills to take care of their needs in such settings. Learning how to solve problems, advocate for themselves or safely express the stress they are experiencing is empowering. They enjoy the individual attention and look forward to going to the playroom with their Child Associate.”
Jeanna Carter is also happy with the return of PIP to Lopez School. “I am really satisfied and optimistic about the quality of the Child Associates who volunteer for this program, and the great and varied skill sets they brought to our work together,” she commented. “We will continue to fine tune and adjust the program to assure it always results in a successful transition to school.” Carol Weiss confirmed her satisfaction with the first year’s activities and results: “My trust was really fulfilled in the wisdom of children to make use of the playroom in ways that met their individual needs.”
The surest sign of success is the PIP students themselves. Initially greeting the playroom with observations ranging from “Can I play with this?” to “Awesome!”, they plunged into creating sand worlds, self-expressive art works and imaginative play with serious intent, invariably skipping back to their classrooms eager to apply their confidence to the next learning challenge.
Additional kindergarden – third grade age children with parental permissions are welcomed to the program for the fall. If you are interested in becoming a Child Associate or enrolling your child in this program, contact Jeanna Carter at jcarter@lopez.k12.wa.us, or Carol Weiss at 468-3571 to learn more.
