Library News: August 3rd, 2023
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids play outside as much as possible because outdoor play carries a number of benefits for them. Playing outside generally relates to more physical activity and that's great for children's overall health. Outdoor activity can even help combat childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, research indicates that when children are free to choose their own outdoor fun, that's when the most physical activity is likely to happen. Outdoor play also benefits a child's cognitive development and learning. After recess, for example, kids are more focused and less fidgety, and contact with the natural elements can foster learning about science and nature. Playing outside and organizing their own games helps children develop socially and emotionally because they learn cooperation and perspective-taking by settling disagreements. Friendships they develop through outdoor play contribute to long-term happiness and overall well-being. With this in mind, this week, we’re focusing on two library books about children and playing.
Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom. The author, a pediatric occupational therapist, writes that today's children typically have sedentary lifestyles filled with television, video games, and computer screens, but she points out that many studies now show that children need rough and tumble' outdoor play in order to develop their sensory, motor, and executive functions. She contends that a lack of movement has been shown to lead to a number of health and cognitive issues such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with emotion regulation and sensory processing, and aggressiveness during school recess breaks. Hanscom believes that nature is the ultimate sensory experience and that children's psychological and physical health improves for them when they spend time outside on a regular basis. Accordingly, in her book, she offers strategies to help kids thrive even if they live in an urban environment. Parents will discover little things that they can do anytime, anywhere to help their kids achieve the movement they need to be happy and healthy in mind, body, and spirit and grow into balanced and resilient adults.
Why Can't We Just Play?: What I Did When I Realized My Kids Were Way too Busy by Pam Lobley. With two boys ages ten and seven, the author describes facing an upcoming summer by sifting through sign-ups for swim team, rec camp, night camp, scout camp, and enrichment classes. Finding so many options overwhelming, she asked her boys what they wanted to do during their summer break, and they asked her why can't we just play? Tempted by a summer with no scheduled activities, she didn't know if this would be possible. It would be like going back to the 1950s! Determined, she sets out to give her boys an old-fashioned summer. She studies up on the myths and realities of the 1950s and with wit and candor reveals what we can learn from families living during that decade, why raising kids has changed so drastically since then, and how parents can stop time once in a while and just play.
Upcoming events:
Support Group for Parents of Challenging Kids. Wednesdays at 9:00 AM. If you are feeling overwhelmed, join others to gain valuable support, coping strategies, and information about community resources.
August Crafternoons, Wednesdays, drop in from 12 NOON-2 PM to make crafty creations! All ages are encouraged to attend. A different project will be featured each Wednesday.
Nutrition and Medical Classes by Dr. Larry Jackson, MD, and Debbie Jackson, MS, RD. Third Wednesday of the Month at 6 PM. Next class will be on August 16th at 6 PM: How to Unclog the Plumbing (Good Cholesterol vs Bad Cholesterol).
Game Night AND Movies & Popcorn, the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. We'll have fresh popcorn and a movie during game night! All ages are welcome!
First Thursday Book Club 2023, August 3. 2023, 12 NOON-1 PM. Join others to chat about what you have been reading or to get suggestions from others
Biggest Book Sale of the Year, starts August 4th during First Friday! Name your price - you choose how much to donate to the library during our biggest book sale of the year! We are also happy to accept donations of clean, good quality books - no textbooks or vintage items, please!
Tech Time @ the Library, August 5, 12, and 19 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Are you struggling with your phone? Do you have trouble navigating the internet? Do you need help with mel.org, the Libby App or the Marcellus Library Catalog? Drop in the library to ask Justin your I.T. related questions and learn to navigate your device or our computers!
Home Arts Club First Friday Bake Off, September 1 from 5-7 PM. This year’s bake-off features the best cookies in town! To enter, bring a minimum of 60 small cookies to the library with a list of ingredients by 2 PM on September 1st. To sample & judge, join us between 5-7 PM during First Friday at the library to purchase tasting tickets & cast your votes!