Passionate about play: 
Community support coordinator encourages parents to use playtime to enhance early learning

Imagine this. You're at work. Your boss walks into your cubicle and says, "Tell me about your plans for the day." You think back to that morning when your toddler took a break from the impressive kingdom of blocks he was building to give you a kiss goodbye. Wishing you were still there helping him create, you reply, "I'll be playing all day." What kind of reaction do you think you would get?

Even though your work may never feel like playtime, you can take heart in knowing that when your young child is playing at preschool, childcare or at home – building, pretending, drawing, imagining – he isn't just having fun. He is also working.

"When it comes to kids, play is work," said Shannon Robinson-Beland, community support coordinator for the Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire. The center, located at 635 Main Street in downtown Laconia, is operated by Lakes Region Community Services and offers playgroups, parenting classes, early intervention services and more.

Robinson-Beland's position was created in partnership with the Lakes Region United Way. She oversees the Born Learning initiative, a public engagement campaign to help parents, caregivers and communities take action to provide quality early learning opportunities for young children. In addition, she collaborates with the UpStream parenting committee to provide quality parent education programs and also works with parents and professionals to positively impact school readiness in the community. She's passionate about using play to shape learning in young children.

"Playing helps children better understand how things work, how people interact and what their role in all of it is," she said. "Play helps prepare children for school, for work and for life in general."

Your children's favorite activities aren't just enjoyable. They also have a purpose. When your daughter puts on that frilly princess dress she loves so much, she's refining her small muscle skills. When two children argue over how to build a tower out of blocks, they are learning how to express ideas and cooperate with others. In the process, they are also developing language and social skills. When your grandson draws a picture of a cow, he is learning to use symbols. Understanding symbols will help him grasp the concepts of reading and writing when he enters school.

The Giggles & Grins playgroup for infants and toddlers meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. in Laconia at the Family Resource Center. The parents and caregivers who come to the playgroup get a chance to connect with other adults while giving their children some quality playtime. But even with your busy schedule, every day presents opportunities to engage your children and help them learn while they play. Here are a few ideas from the Born Learning Initiative that Robinson-Beland likes to share with parents:
• Pass the time with a rhyme:  The grocery store is a great place to sing and rhyme with your child.  Word games will keep him entertained. 
• Have fun with the laundry:  Toddlers can help you put the clothes in the washing machine.  Talk about the colors you see or the textures you feel.
• Wind down at the end of the day with a story at bedtime:  Even your baby will enjoy books.  Let her hold the book and learn to turn the pages.  Play peek-a-boo with the pictures on the page by covering and uncovering them with your hand or talk about the pictures that interest her.

While it may sound simple, don't forget to talk to your child. Children who hear caring adults speak about everyday activities learn to speak, communicate, and eventually read better.

For additional tips on how to turn everyday moments into easy, fun learning opportunities, visit our Born Learning pages, or visit the national Born Learning initiative page at www.bornlearning.org. You can also call Robinson-Beland at 524-1741 ext. 15, or visit the Family Resource Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

This article was provided to the Lakes Region United Way by Lakes Region Community Services. LRCS is the state designated Agency responsible for supporting the needs of Lakes Region individuals and families living with developmental disabilities and/or acquired brain disorders. For more information on LRCS or to find out how you can support the Agency, log on to the new LRCS website at www.lrcs.org or contact Shannon Kelly at 524-8811, ext. 192.