In 2018, Harrison Pinckney, PhD, moderated a groundbreaking keynote panel of experts in a discussion on what play looks like for Black youth. This year, Dr. Pinckney returns with new colleagues to broaden the discussion as we continue to work towards a better understanding of the racial implications of race on play. “Expanding the Conversation… Read more »
This session provides simple and inexpensive strategies to support children’s physical and social-emotional health. It emphasizes inclusive activities and partnerships to help caregivers engage children in PLAYful, language-rich learning opportunities. “Playful Activities to Support Whole Child Health” This featured session explores playful learning resources to help caregivers support the physical and social-emotional health of children…. Read more »
Summer Blog Series PLAY for Healthier Communities #3 “Nature and Health – Activism through Literacy and Play: Tips from a Publisher” Pause for a moment and consider your favorite book as a child. What exciting adventures did you go on as you read? What were you inspired to do, think about, and create? As I… Read more »
In a world of commercial toys, how can we design resources that support the mental wellness and health of children? “Play, Design and Mental Health” with play futurist Yesim Kunter There is a growing need of resources that are playfully dedicated to the wellbeing of children. There is no question that there is a huge decline… Read more »
Summer Blog Series PLAY for Healthier Communities #2 “Nature and Health – Integrating PLAY into Wellness: Tips from a Registered Dietician and PE Teacher” Who better to share tips on how play can promote student achievement and well-being than a former physical education (PE) teacher and a Registered Dietician (RD). Today, I’m excited to share… Read more »
Summer Blog Series PLAY for Healthier Communities #1 “Nature Play and Health: Tips for Parents from a Science Educator” Last month in celebration of Park and Recreation Month, I had the honor of playing a virtual game of Kohl’s Healthy at Home Nature BINGO with my friend Pascale at GreatSchools.org and her 5-year-old daughter, Kamila…. Read more »
For our 2021 Virtual Conference on the Value of Play: PLAY IS SURVIVAL keynote kickoff on April 2, we brought together three incredible thought leaders for our annual “Power PLAYer Panel.” Our three panelists tackle the 2021 theme, particularly as it relates to issues of diversity, access, equity and inclusion. The dialogue is rich and… Read more »
Summer Blog Series – Libraries & PLAY #3 “You’re Never Too Old to Play at the Library” Since 2008, Lifetime Arts, a nonprofit focused on creative aging, has worked with dozens of public libraries across the country to bring playful arts to older adults. The Public Libraries Initiative works as follows: “Led by professional teaching… Read more »
Summer Blog Series – Libraries & PLAY #2 “Play for Teens and Emerging Adults” In 2016, the American Library Association published the book Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Programs for Emerging Adults, which “shows how to draw emerging adults to the library using a mixture of play and engagement and then keep them coming back… Read more »
Summer Blog Series – Libraries & PLAY #1 “Learning and Playing at the Library during Early Childhood” Since 2000, public librarians across the United States have dramatically increased the number of programs they offer in support of early childhood. The Public Library Association states this new focus on Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) transforms… Read more »