The Power of Play

We held a family gathering at our house, and in preparation for the arrival of the young cousins I set out the bin of Duplo blocks. All the kids from toddlers to my elementary-aged daughters had fun with them during the party. The party came and left, and my daughters continued to enjoy them. As I observed them discussing designs, creating storylines for the characters and negotiating trades, I’m reminded of the power of play for children. It is the work of children in the sense that they explore and learn through the play experience.

As we begin a new season of programs and events at CADL Dansville, there are many opportunities for children of all ages to play and learn. The first library experience many children have is attending a storytime. While sharing books is an essential component of storytime, play is incorporated through songs, movement, instruments and manipulatives. At CADL Dansville and many other branches, this provides children the opportunity to engage in activities such as dress-up, sensory table exploration, play dough and puzzles. I believe that the children can gain just as much from play - bolstering social skills, fine and gross motor movements - as they do from engaging with books. Each Saturday we offer a fun learning experience for children of all ages, as well as regularly occurring after-school programs such as STEM Lab and Minecraft. Find a full list here.

CADL has a new Library of Things Jr. collection just for kids! With a youth CADL card, kids can check out a Raising Reader backpack, American Girl doll or one of the many games and learning kits available to engage in play and learning at home

Lynn H., CADL Dansville