Play is serious business. But, unfortunately, it’s also a fast-diminishing commodity for today’s kids, leading to obesity and brain drain. Play for Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shedding light on the crucial role of play in children’s development and education, aims to bring playful learning back to the forefront with the Ultimate Block Party in NYC a free family event.
The day will feature construction play, dance, sports, music and more. Families with children up to age 12 are invited to come and PLAY. Classes will be led by leading architects, scientists, engineers, musicians, artists, inventors and business leaders from around the City, as they share a vision of learning based in scientific research – and founded in child’s play.
“We are excited to announce our first annual Ultimate Block Party and to show families, educators, business innovators and politicians that playing is indeed learning,” said Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D, Co-Founder of Play for Tomorrow and Professor of Psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia.
In 1981, 40% of children’s time was spent in play. By 1997, that number had shrunk to only 25%. Recent reports reveal further disturbing findings: in the last two decades, kids have lost eight hours of free play per week and 30,000 schools across the U.S. have eliminated recess to make time for more academic study – despite scientific findings that link recess to better concentration and more effective learning.
Ultimate Block Party
Sunday, October 3
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11-5 pm
Bandshell area of New York City’s Central Park
Enter at 72nd & 5th
FREE
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