Recent UK news highlights an innovative solution developing in Guildford: ConnectPlayWise, a spin‑out from the University of Surrey that links children aged 7‑12 with older adults via playful, moderated games. The initiative promises a tangible improvement in social‑emotional learning (SEL) for young learners while simultaneously reducing loneliness in elderly care homes. Below you’ll find a practical guide on how educators, parents and care‑home managers can integrate this platform into their everyday routines, the science behind its effectiveness, and actionable next‑steps.
How ConnectPlayWise Bridges the Generation Gap
ConnectPlayWise’s core mechanism is a secure, digital matchmaking system that pairs a child with a vetted, identity‑verified adult—often a grandparent living overseas or a resident in a local care facility. Through short, purpose‑designed mini‑games, participants engage in turn‑taking, problem‑solving and emotional expression—skills that translate directly to classroom behaviour and everyday interactions.
Key elements:
- Robust Safeguarding: All adults undergo DBS checks, digital identity verification and a controlled onboarding process.
- Psychology‑Based Design: Game mechanics are built on evidence from child‑development and gerontology research, ensuring that each interaction targets specific SEL outcomes such as empathy, patience and self‑regulation.
- Intergenerational Learning: The platform encourages reciprocal exchange; children teach adults the basics of digital play, while elders share life stories, thereby promoting mutual respect.
Evidence of Impact on Social‑Emotional Learning
Early pilots in the UK estimate that children participating in regular ConnectPlayWise sessions show measurable gains in:
- Emotion recognition scores (estimated +15% improvement).
- Peer‑interaction quality in school (reports of increased cooperative play by teachers).
- Self‑reported confidence levels when speaking in front of groups.
For seniors, the platform addresses two cross‑cutting issues identified in national surveys:
- Loneliness and social isolation (average reduction of 30% in reports of ‘never’ feeling connected).
- Morning and evening activity engagement, contributing to better sleep patterns and reduced agitation.
Why Schools Should Adopt ConnectPlayWise Today
In the wake of teacher shortages and increasing emphasis on mental‑health literacy, schools have limited access to dedicated SEL resources. ConnectPlayWise offers a low‑cost, scalable solution that can be integrated into existing curricula:
- Class‑room pilot: A Year 4 class can schedule a weekly 20‑minute session with care‑home residents, providing real‑time practice in listening and sharing.
- Technology lab use: Students can explore digital communication tools while reinforcing adult supervision protocols.
- Teacher support: Adults serve as “digital mentors”, guiding children through the platform and collaborating with educators to assess skill growth.
To get started, schools can contact the ConnectPlayWise partnership team via https://connectplaywise.io/partners for a complimentary needs assessment.
Integrating ConnectPlayWise into Elderly Care Settings
Facilitating meaningful interaction is a cornerstone of quality care homes. ConnectPlayWise offers a structured, safe method for staff to enhance resident morale without significant staffing increases.
- Allocate a dedicated time slot per day for residents to log in with a pre‑approved child or classroom.
- Train staff on filtering content and resolving technical issues promptly.
- Measure outcomes using the platform’s analytics dashboard, focusing on resident engagement scores.
ConnectPlayWise’s seamless integration also supports government priorities in elderly care, aligning with the UK’s national strategy on mental health and dementia services.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Guardians
Parents looking to supplement their child’s SEL journey can:
- Invite their child to sign up for ConnectPlayWise by creating an account at https://connectplaywise.io and confirming identity verification.
- Set a weekly time slot, encouraging them to be present during the session to discuss emotions or thoughts after the play.
- Use the built‑in conversation tags to track progress, such as increased use of “I feel” statements.
By routinely engaging with elders, children also learn cultural appreciation and diverse perspectives, enhancing their global citizenship skills.
How ConnectPlayWise Fits the UK’s Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative aligns most closely with:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑Being – by reducing loneliness and improving mental‑health outcomes for both children and seniors.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – providing an innovative SEL tool that complements traditional curricula.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – bridging rural and urban populations by connecting intellectually and socially disparate groups.
Stakeholders can showcase the platform’s contribution during sustainability reporting, strengthening corporate social responsibility credentials.
Get Involved: Pilot Opportunities and Support
ConnectPlayWise is actively seeking beta testers across educational institutions, families and care homes. Early adopters will receive:
- Free access to the first three months of the platform.
- Dedicated technical support and training workshops.
- The opportunity to influence feature development via user feedback sessions.
To apply, visit https://connectplaywise.io/apply and select the sector that best describes your organization.
Conclusion: A Systems‑Level Approach to Intergenerational Well‑Being
ConnectPlayWise presents a unique intersection of education technology, gerontology, and community resilience. By combining safe digital environments with evidence‑based game design, it delivers measurable benefits that go beyond the screen.
Whether you are a teacher looking for an SEL supplement, a care‑home manager seeking cost‑effective engagement, or a parent wanting to nurture empathy at home, this platform offers an actionable tool. Engage today, and help create a more connected, emotionally competent generation.
Next Steps for You
- Explore ConnectPlayWise’s offerings at https://connectplaywise.io.
- Contact the partnership team for a school pilot at [email protected].
- Register your care‑home for a trial at https://connectplaywise.io/care-home-apply.
Join the movement that turns digital play into a bridge between ages. Together, we can foster stronger social-emotional skills in our children while providing meaningful companionship to our elders.
