Rae Pica, a nationally renowned education consultant, recently shared her insights on the power of play to activate learning at a special event hosted by Jefferson County Public Library. The Library is hosting follow up events at area libraries between now and Nov. 14.
On Wednesday, October 14, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) hosted author and education specialist Rae Pica as the guest speaker at a special Movin’ and Groovin’ event for parents, teachers, educators and childcare providers. Pica, an education consultant, has specialized in the development and education of the whole child and children’s physical activity since 1980.
Her presentation focused on the value of activity and play in helping children learn to read. According to Pica, a growing body of research suggests that physical activity activates the brain much more so than sitting. Further, she suggests, learning by doing creates more neural networks in the brain and throughout the body, making the entire body a tool for learning. She also notes that active learning is more fun and engaging for young children, which means it matters to them and is more likely to encourage lifelong learning.
During her presentation, Pica shared some of her favorite strategies for sparking learning, such as taking a listening walk with your child, using music to encourage active listening, playing musical games and more.
If you missed the presentation, Jefferson County Public Library is sponsoring Movin’ and Groovin’ Fests at every library, to demonstrate strategies to help get every child read to read when they start school. Participants will learn how to make fun movement/play objects from everyday materials and use them to spark learning with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Unless otherwise noted, Movin’ and Groovin’ Fests will be held from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the following locations:
- Saturday, October 17: Golden and Lakewood Libraries
- Saturday, October 24: Arvada and Evergreen Libraries
- Saturday, November 7: Edgewater (2-4 p.m.), Standley Lake and Columbine Libraries
- Saturday, November 14: Belmar, Conifer and Wheat Ridge Libraries
In addition, two of Pica’s most popular books, Jump into literacy: active learning for preschool children and What if everybody understood child development? Straight talk about bettering education and children’s lives, are available for checkout at the Library.
The Rae Pica event was sponsored by the Jefferson County Library Foundation. For additional information, all 303-235-5275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org.