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'Speaking of Play' conversation series, Providence, March 5, April 2, May 7

Print | Comments () Posted by Jen Clark Estes February 22, 2013 09:40 AM

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Providence Children’s Museum and the Providence Athenaeum are partnering to present a series of panel discussions about the critical importance of self-directed play for children's healthy growth and development.

"Leave No Child Inside," Tues., March 5, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Today's children play outside less than any previous generation, yet free outdoor play connects kids to the natural world and builds their imaginations, resiliency and confidence. Join a discussion about what’s keeping them inside and what we can do to get them out.

"What Happened to Recess?" Tues., April 2, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Recess is crucial for kids, resulting in better attention span, improved classroom behavior, and important opportunities for free play, creativity and interaction with other children -- yet it is increasingly limited or withheld. Join the debate over the value of recess.

"Play & Risk: How Safe is Too Safe" Tues., May 7, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Acceptable risk is beneficial to kids’ physical and emotional development, so when did it become a 4-letter word? Taking risks helps children learn about their own capabilities and limits while increasing their comfort with making mistakes and taking on challenges. Discuss ways to foster healthy risk-taking in kids’ play.

Conversations will be held at the Athenaeum, 251 Benefit St., Providence, RI. Free. RSVPs welcome to Lindsay Shaw, lshaw@provath.org or (401) 421-6970 ext. 17. www.childrenmuseum.org

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Kristi Palma, Boston.com Moms producer, is the mom of a kindergartner and a preschooler. She is a writer who enjoys cooking her grandmother's Italian recipes (when her son isn't launching paper airplanes into them). Follow her on Twitter @kristipalma.

Jennifer Clark Estes is a teacher, writer, blogger, and the mother of four young children. In her free time, she blogs at A Mom's World, plays with the kids (or chauffeurs them around), and is desperately seeking a quiet spot so she can read a book. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferCEstes.