I guess play wasn't important. Everything else they learn in school may be abstract.
Absolutely. I've seen the classes in my school. They're almost entirely just sitting on separate desks just listening, sleeping, or filling in a book.
I remember my classes had desks paired up at least, and we often moved them around for various things; debates, games, discussions, crafting, teams & competitions. I just don't see that here. If you're not one of the small handful who play basketball, you get almost no access to physical enrichment.
But I'm certainly working on it - this is the kind of project I take personally and enjoy! (One of my weaknesses as a teacher is I can't just sit and have students 'work at something' in silence. I gotta get the energy flowing... even if i'm exhausted lol. Just feels awkward otherwise)