April Newsletter 2024

Dear Friends of Columbia Play Project,

An increasing body of evidence shows that play is critically important to a child's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. A recent report, produced by Nike, highlights the importance of movement for children. I encourage you to read the linked report but one of my take-aways was the importance of play in the first ten years of life.

From the report:

"Nature made children perpetual motion machines for a reason. As they head into adolescence, children draw the blueprints for their adult lives. Not just their adult bodies but their intellect, character, emotional resilience and social skills. Their preferences and motivations...form during this key developmental phase."

Columbia Play Project recognizes that movement is critical to healthy and happy children and is always looking for ways to include physical activity during our Pop-Up Children's Museum events. We also encourage you to find ways to include physical activity for your littles. It doesn't have to be expensive-- play tag, set up an obstacle course, play KeepieUppie (keep a balloon in the air), go to the playground, take a walk at one of our many parks (I like to hunt for slugs during this activity.) Whatever you do, keep your littles moving.

Jeanne