From the very beginning, children are ready to play. As the experts at Zero To Three acknowledge, "You are your child's favorite toy." Playing with your child is not only enjoyable, it serves a very valuable purpose. It's through play that a child learns about the world around him. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers learn concepts through play. Your child also gains communication, literacy, social, motor and cognitive skills. Regular active play and exercise is important for children's health. Unstructured play also builds creativity and imagination. But, most importantly, play is fun!
This summer, make sure you have time for old-fashioned play with your child.
Head to the park and talk about all that you do and see there.
Cool off with a safe splash in the water
Paint with water on the sidewalk.
Have a picnic - bring the stuffed animals and dolls along!
Build sandcastles or a play fort.
Plant a garden together.
Hold an outdoor storytime.
Take a nature walk and discuss what you find along the way.
The possibilities for giggles and fun are endless!
Explore the following play resources online for parents and caregivers, or stop by your Library to check out materials. Have a question? Just ask a Librarian! Call the Youth Services Desk at 541-766-6794.
Family Fun
Creative ideas for arts & crafts, games, parties and more.
The Importance of Play from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says free and unstructured play is healthy and - in fact – essential…”
Making a Playful Home - Parents Count: Practical Tips for Parents
A short newsletter on the stages and value of play from Pennsylvania State University.
Restoring Play - The Alliance for Childhood
Information for parents and educators on the status of play in preschool and kindergartens. Includes links to books, academic research and more.
The Value of Play - by Rae Pica
Are you overscheduling your child? An article defending "why kids just need to be kids."
Where Do All the Children Play? - a project of Michigan PublicTelevision and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.
“The hours of unstructured, outdoor play many of us remember — building forts, fishing and exploring vacant lots — is nearly extinct.” (A national education and community engagement campaign.)
