At play in the fields of the child
By Madison Purvis
Sept. 16 through 29 will be filled with activities throughout the Johnson County community as PLAYvolution takes a place — a movement to help with the current downward trend in child development.
Deb Dunkhase, the executive director of the Iowa Children’s Museum, said, “Play is critical to child brain development. Kids are losing free playtime due to having more structured schedules and having more screen time.”
When kids are allowed unstructured time to play, they develop many important skills that will benefit them throughout life, such as problem solving and in-depth thinking, Iowa City Mayor Jim Throgmorton said.
Coralville City Councilor Jill Dodds said the council will turn Coralville into “playville” next week, Sept. 11 through 15.
PLAYvolution will be holding events throughout the community, with some at libraries, parks, and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Activities include bubbles, tailgating, Play-Doh, and much more.
All of the activities will be free and open to all ages.
PLAYvolution said play is “just as important for adults, especially in the workplace.” It helps develop creativity, prevent burnout, and create energy.Playvolution.org has a list of all activities for those interested in participating.
“Play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood,” Throgmorton said.
