Genius of Play Releases Book for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

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The book - “Let’s Play: A Playbook for Kids of All Abilities” - focuses on how play provides an opportunity to engage in activities that best support their development. It notes that when there is focus on a child’s strengths, interests, and areas in which they need more support, a play approach offers opportunities to participate in the challenge level that is suitable for them.

The free guide offers families a variety of adaptive, play-based activities to help children meet developmental milestones and promote social inclusion while having fun.

The book can be downloaded on The Genius of Play’s website.

The Genius of Play also offers play ideas for every age range, interest, and ability. Its resources include playbooks featuring games that help children to develop emotional intelligence, physical skills, and STEAM knowledge as well as activity sheets and other activities.

The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s vital role in child development.

PA Promise for Children Releases Tips on Staying Healthy in the Spring

PA Promise for Children has released a list of tips for families on how children can stay healthy during the spring.

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Each of PA Promise’s tips are accompanied by an article on the topic. 

One suggestion for families is to plant a garden, which can provide such benefits as healthy eating, physical activity, and the application of science and motor skills. Another tip is to use the natural world as a learning tool to create time and space for play in nature.

Ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play is another item on the list. Spring weather can change quickly - from warm temperatures to cooler ones or rain - so guardians should make sure that children have the clothing to stay dry and comfortable.

Another safety tip involving the outdoors is avoiding high exposure to pollen by keeping the home and car clear of it. Guardians should clear children’s clothing of outdoor pollen residues and be aware of a child’s particular allergies.

When it comes to snacks and meals, adults should ensure that children are getting their share of seasonal fruit and vegetables. These taste better, are better for one’s health, and are good for the environment.

For more information, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.

Resources for March Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals to acknowledge and navigate them.

Here is a list of resources for March observances.

Month-Long Observances

Women’s History Month

• How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Preschool, Brightwheel Blog

• Celebrate Women’s History Month, Sesame Street

• 10 Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month with Your Little One, Start Early

• Women’s History Month, National Geographic Kids

National Craft Month

• Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh

• 55 Kids’ Craft Ideas, Delightfully

• The Importance of Arts and Crafts for Early Childhood Development, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

National Color Therapy Month

• Colour Psychology for Babies and Children, Colour Psychology Today

• How Color Therapy for Kids Can Help Build Self-Esteem, Amel Counseling and Consulting

• Color Activities for Therapy Pinterest Board, The OT Toolbox

Day Observances

March 1 is National Play Outside Day

• Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh

• Education Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

• Play: Activities & Resources, Buzzword

March 20 is International Day of Happiness

• Children Celebrate International Day of Happiness, Austin Public Library

• 10 Fabulous Ideas to Celebrate International Happiness Day, Twinkl USA

Other Playful Resources

• NSLA to Host Free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March, Playful Pittsburgh

• Remake Learning Days Accepting Submissions for Events, Playful Pittsburgh

• Be My Neighbor Week, Playful Pittsburgh

NSLA to Host Free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March

The National Summer Learning Association is holding a free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March to prepare for the events that it will provide to millions of young people across the nation this summer.

The bootcamp will feature three sessions each day and is open to all. Attendees will learn from top education leaders, youth development experts, and programs that will share their resources, insights, and best practices on hot topics.

Day 1: Thursday, March 13

On the first day of the bootcamp, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants will hear from three panels. These include:

• Setting the Compass: Current Research and Impact (understanding the current landscape of summer learning)

• Learning and Engagement in Summer Programs (creating environments full of hands-on experiences in which youth can share their voice, build connections with others, and find a deeper meaning in their learning)

• Leadership and Staff Development (how program leaders can build a sense of belonging, agency, active engagement, and reflection in staff)

Day 2: Friday, March 14

The second day of the bootcamp - which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - will include the following panels:

• Community and Partnerships (building and maintaining strong links with community organizations, families, and other partners to support youth success)

• Data Collection and Quality Matters (creating a quality improvement cycle with all program stakeholders)

• Innovations in Summer Learning (learning that matters, building skills, and providing opportunities)

Both days of the bootcamp are free of charge and will be held on Zoom. Registration is now open.

Remake Learning Days Accepting Submissions for Events

Remake Learning Days is preparing for its 2025 edition - and participants have until late February to submit any events they plan to host.

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Remake Learning Days (RLD) celebrates 10 years in 2025. The innovative, national learning festival for youth and families includes thousands of hands-on learning events for children of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, parks, museums, play spaces, community centers, and more. It will be held between April 19 and June 15.

Those who wish to submit a family-friendly event for RLD should do so by Friday, February 21. Additional resources, opportunities, and announcements from the event will follow afterward. 

Apply for an Event Host Awarded

Participants can apply for an event host award of $150, $250, or $500 to help offset costs. Awards will be prioritized for learners in poverty, learners of color, learners in rural areas, girls in STEM, and learners with disabilities. 

To be considered for an award:

• Events must first be submitted to the RLD website.

• Events must be hosted during RLD across the Pennsylvania festival dates of May 1 to 23.

• Persons holding events must have permission from their organization to apply for funds that, if awarded, will be mailed to the name and mailing address listed on the organization’s W-9 form.

For more information on RLD, visit its website.

NIOST Conducting Survey to Support OST STEM Workforce

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) is conducting a survey that is aimed at supporting the OST STEM workforce.

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The survey poses questions on the topic of how afterschool and summer programs can best recruit, train, and retain out-of-school-time staff who offer STEM activities. It is being conducted by NIOST at Wellesley College with support from the Overdeck Family Foundation and in partnership with the National Afterschool Association.

The goal of the study is to inform program leaders and educators how to best obtain, prepare, and support staff to deliver high-quality STEM activities in out-of-school programs.

NIOST is calling on out-of-school-time program directors to take part in the survey, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. 

All data collected in the study is for research purposes only. Participants will not include their names when completing the survey.

Any questions should be directed to Georgia Hall, of Wellesley College, at 781-283-3499 or ghall@wellesley.edu. 

The study is available online.