October 6, 2025 Genius of Play Encourages Outdoor Play, Suggests Activities Although the summer is over, the weather outside will still be ideal for outdoor activities for the foreseeable future. The Genius of Play has compiled a short list of activities that adults can recommend to children to encourage them to put down their smart phones and other screens for a while. Learn More Spending time outside provides children with important opportunities for growth and learning, the Genius of Play wrote in its recent newsletter. Four activities that the organization included in its newsletter that can be used to encourage outdoor play are: Shadow Art – In this activity, children use varied positions and angles to help them learn that differences can alter the shape of the shadow they create; drawing and creative skills are utilized. Act It Out – This activity involves reading a book aloud and acting it out by assigning a child a role. Obstacle Course – Adults should design a path for children to follow by creating an imaginary balance beam with tape; make stepping stones with other objects and have children follow the path by crawling over them. Basket Toss – Place objects within easy reach of a child and have them throw them into a basket; the idea is to present a challenge, but not a frustration. Each of the activities can also be played indoors, if the weather isn’t cooperative. For more play activities, visit the Genius of Play website.
March 18, 2025 Genius of Play Releases Book for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Learn More The book – “Let’s Play: A Playbook for Kids of All Abilities” – focuses on how play provides an opportunity to engage in activities that best support their development. It notes that when there is focus on a child’s strengths, interests, and areas in which they need more support, a play approach offers opportunities to participate in the challenge level that is suitable for them. The free guide offers families a variety of adaptive, play-based activities to help children meet developmental milestones and promote social inclusion while having fun. The book can be downloaded on The Genius of Play’s website. The Genius of Play also offers play ideas for every age range, interest, and ability. Its resources include playbooks featuring games that help children to develop emotional intelligence, physical skills, and STEAM knowledge as well as activity sheets and other activities. The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s vital role in child development.
October 21, 2024 Playbook Provides Resources for Emotional Wellness Month The Genius of Play has released a new playbook that includes a variety of resources to celebrate Emotional Wellness Month in October. Learn More The aim of Emotional Wellness Month is to remind people to disconnect and take time for themselves. Emotional well-being can have a significant impact on one’s overall health, whereas mental and emotional stress can result in negative physical reactions, a weakened immune system, and poor health. The Genius of Play’s new playbook features activities to help children learn and practice the key components of emotional intelligence. Some of the activities that can be found in the playbook include: Doing a yoga pose is a low-impact method of strengthening the body Using calming bottles to encourage creativity and relieve tension Doing an emotions word search to boost overall brain power and improve concentration More ideas for play that can promote emotional wellness can be found in the playbook.
