In my workshops I talk about three critical things: exercise, diet and play. I often mention Playworks.org in conjunction with the 'play' piece and want to share a recent article by Jill Vialet, Playworks CEO and founder. Jill shares some research happening in Denmark on developing a 'pedagogy of play'. Certainly of interest to Early Childhood folks but I hope also to the rest of us, including those who work with adults.
Play - the evidence piles up.
The evidence for the importance of 'play' continues to mount. Here is an article on the importance of play - free play, outside - for young children.
For so many reasons, play is critical for children. I'll share strong evidence for the importance of play for adults as well.
Read me first...
This blog will be (generally) a weekly blog to support the pilot project called Realign to the Design (RTD). RTD is an attempt to use regular gatherings of Pastors (and other full time church workers) as a support group for their overall health journey. Different Denominations call them different things. My background is LCMS Lutheran and we call them monthly Circuit meetings - a regular gathering of Pastors in a geographically close area used for study, worship and fellowship.
The RTD pilot will include a kick-off workshop, this blog, monthly phone calls to add another layer of accountability, a Facebook page for peer to peer posting, and some kind of expression in the local congregation to bring the members on board as well.
This blog will include posts on the three main topics of the workshop - and of trying to stay healthy - exercise, diet and play. Plus whatever else looks helpful and interesting. I'll try to respond to what I hear from the regular phone calls so the resources are what is being asked for.
Blessings on the journey. Contact me if you have questions.
Play Overview
Play has changed. Take a look at the first severalminutes of Cain's Arcade on YouTube. Here is my take: I don't want to minimize the creativity Cain put into his Arcade - it was quite impressive. But, really, not long ago every kid played like this. No one came to your door from NBC Nightly News and wanted to put you on TV. That is just how kids played.
Check out an interesting article on "11 Benefits of Play" and also check out Playworks. Their whole focus is teaching kids how to play at recess. Not a type-o. When kids play, learning improves and behavioral issues decline.
And play is not just for kids. Much more to come...