Other things may change, but we all start and end with family. | Issue 3, Winter 2017

Play is Important Work

Play is a good four-letter word that may not cross our minds most days. The to-do-list just doesn’t seem to allow time for play. However, we know it is important to participate in an activity we enjoy or take time to relax for overall good health. Remember how great you felt the last time you went for a walk on a sunny day, had coffee with a fun friend or watched a movie in the theater. That positive feeling is like one you first experienced as a baby when a parent or loving caregiver played peek-a-boo with you.   

Learning to enjoy play and making connections with others starts from the very beginning. 

Playing helped you build skills that you use every day when working, learning and connecting with others. Taking some time every day to play with your little one can really help them develop lifelong skills as they grow and learn. 

For some of us playing with our children is easy. Climbing around on the floor acting like a lion is fun for one parent, while another may feel awkward. A one-year-old may love hearing you sing the ABC song, but another may cover his ears. Finding the games, songs and activities that work for both you and your child may take a little practice. As your child grows and changes, so will your play activities.

There are so many benefits to playing with your child. Here are just a few of the developmental skills play promotes when parents and close loved ones play with babies and toddlers.

1. Attaching to Others - Attachments are exclusive bonds where we share deep emotions with special people in our family. We feel safe and secure with them.  Reading, cuddling and singing at home are a few ways to create attachments.
2. Cognitive Skills - These skills help the developing brain learn how to learn new skills, understand language, and remember learned skills. Playing memory games, talking and asking questions about everything, and talking about pictures in books are a few examples of how we can help cognitive skills.
3. Physical Skills - Running, jumping, walking, rolling and crawling all support a child’s physical and mental health. Being physically active throughout the day helps children maintain healthy muscles, bones, and weight. 
4. Social Skills - Showing your child your emotions and helping them through little and big challenges develops social skills. Taking turns playing with toys, saying please and thank you and showing kindness toward others, all support positive social skill development.
5. Stress Relief - It can be frustrating and stressful for children when they do not yet have words to let you know their needs, wants, or feelings. Keeping your cool when they are losing it is not easy, but so important to lowering their stress.  Taking time to play with your child will help relieve stress.

The following web sites and books have more detailed information about play and great activities to try with your family.

Zero to Three:

• A Year of Play
• Play
• Tips on Playing with Babies and Toddlers

PBS Kids:

• Music Games

 Parents:

• The Importance of Play

 American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Young Children Learn A Lot When They Play

Resources used from the Early Intervention Clearing House:

• Games and Activities for Attaching with your Child by Debroah D. Gray and Megan Clarke
• My First Year; Making Connections with Infants from Redleaf Press

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for children, play is serious learning." - Mr. Rogers

Author Spotlight: Sandra Boynton Boynton’s board books are filled with happy animals and catchy rhymes to make the whole family smile. Click here to learn more.

Things to Know and Places to Go

Preschool Guide for Lake County

Many preschools start registration for fall 2018 in January and February. Check out Little Lake County for information about preschools in Lake County. If you have any questions about selecting a preschool, please contact your Parent Liaison Melissa Carnes at 847 377-8923 or MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov.

Looking for something fun to do with children the same age as your child?

Check with your local Library for Story Times and your Park District for Classes and Events. Both groups offer programs with age groupings for 0 to 3 years or under 3 years. If you don't know your library or park district, contact your Parent Liaison Melissa Carnes at 847 377-8923 or MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov for help. Library and Park District programs have non-resident participation options.

Snow much fun! 

Take your little ones sledding this winter! Learn more about sledding in Lake County from Little Lake County.

Early Intervention Clearing House

The EI Clearing House is a free lending library for Illinois residents. Participation in EI is not required to borrow materials. It includes EI notes that have family friendly activities to try at home, books, board books, audiobooks, e-books, videos, DVDs, and some kits. The materials will be mailed to your home or the location you select. When items are due, just take them to a local library in Illinois with the ILDS (Illinois Library Delivery System)  form attached to the items. The form will be included in the mailing. 

How to Request Material: Contact Illinois-eic@illinois.edu or 1-877-3222 OR fill out the Materials Request Form.

Invitation to Early Intervention Playgroups

Title: TreeHouse in Lake Zurich (847) 438-8887
Date: Saturday, February 3
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. (Private Play for EI Families)
Address: 985 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
Details:  Climb and explore with your child. The first hour is just for EI Families, you can stay longer when the doors open for the public at 10:00.  $11  per child over age 1  (1 adult free per child)
RSVP: Melissa Carnes (847) 377-8923 MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov

Title: Playing with All 5 Senses at Busy Bee in Waukegan
Date: Tuesday, February 6
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. (For EI and BB families)
Address: 2115 S. Ernie Kruger Cir., Waukegan
Details: Little ones will play, snack, and make a craft
RSVP: Melissa Carnes (847) 377-8923 MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov

Title: The Gym Spot in Mundelein (847) 949-7768
Date: Wednesday, March 14
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Private Play for EI Families)
Address: 915 Tower Road, Mundelein
Details: Little ones will have fun playing and exploring an obstacle course. $5 per child over 1.
RSVP: Melissa Carnes (847) 377-8923 MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov

Early intervention is teaming up with local libraries to offer playgroups for families in Early intervention and library families with children under 3 years of age.  The play groups will have a short story/song time, craft and play time.  Please check out any or all upcoming free Library Playgroups. Zion Benton Library (Zion), Saturday, January 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Aspen Library (Vernon Hills), Thursday, February 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Warren-Newport Library (Gurnee), Tuesday, March 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Antioch Library (Antioch), Wednesday, April 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m.