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| Exploring the box-blocks |
Back in September, Tiffany Meyer, then the director of the Dresser Public Library (now at Ellsworth) attended our LSTA-funded webinar by Rachel Payne about the Brooklyn Public Library’s Read Play Grow program.
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| Amazing sensory input with bubble wrap and other textures taped to the floor |
She was inspired to create something similar in Polk County. She worked with library partners (Osceola and St. Croix Falls), her Friends group, a local family practice physician, early Headstart, the Northern Waters Literacy Council, and others to create a fabulous Big Fun Play Date.
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| Shredded paper was popular with a variety of ages |
The emphasis at the playdate was encouraging young children and their caregivers to interact with each other and play with common household materials. It was fun to see how kids of different ages interacted differently with the stations.
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| An older child building with board books |
There were lots of great ideas for caregivers to try at home, and many folks talking about what they were going to do at home. Families got a board book to take home, along with some other materials. Roving experts talked some with parents about developmental things and, more often, modeled playful behavior.
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| Osceola Library Director Kelly McBride is a baby magnet–who knew?? |
