Play is Healing in Sheboygan County

Play is Healing is a community partnership and initiative promoting wellness and healing from the collective trauma of the pandemic and stress inducing current events. Above and Beyond Children’s Museum, Mental Health America Lakeshore, the Sheboygan YMCA, and the Sheboygan Rec Department, amongst other community "playmates", have teamed up to provide playful educational opportunities developed to support our children's mental health, overall well-being, and positive connection to others.

A Mindful Recess: Online Classes

Our first offering, "A Mindful Recess", was an 8-week series guided by Play is Healing Coordinator and Fitness and Wellness Professional Rachael Haas, to boost brain and body health with a mindful calming, focusing, and movement break from virtual schooling. Included in the pre-recorded sessions are playful mindfulness and fitness movements for calming and focus, balance and coordination, strength and flexibility, and finishing with gratitude while refocusing back on learning. Videos were recorded and inspired by different exhibits at the Above and Beyond Children's Museum as well as areas within the Sheboygan YMCA. 

• Ship theme at ABCM
• Farm theme at ABCM
• Gym theme at YMCA
• Pool theme at YMCA
• Floating theme at ABCM
• Aerobics theme at YMCA
• Gynmastics theme at YMCA
• Honeybee theme at ABCM

2022 Fall/Winter Playdates

Join us at different locations and events throughout the county for our Playtime POP-up booths! We provide fun activities geared towards elementary aged students and their families to boost positive mental health. Get information on the play benefits of play for youth mental health and connect with local community resources. All events are free and/or donation based. See schedule and register below!

If you would like to have our booth at your community event, please contact Play is Healing Coordinator Rachael Haas at info@playishealing.org or 920-946-0058 for more information.

• SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 Above & Beyond Children's Museum Purple Octopus Playground Grand Opening 11a-1p
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 Shaw Family Playground Grand Opening 4p
• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Shops at Woodlake Community Days 11a-2p
• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 Above & Beyond Children's Museum Purple Octopus Playground 10a-12p
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Mead Public Library 10a-12p
• WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 Sheboygan YMCA 1-3pm

Mental & Emotional Health Benefits of Play

The benefits of play for youth are many. Whether it be improving academic learning, decreasing anxiety and depression, or developing focus, coordination, and cooperation in a fun way, play is a great way to improve the overall health and wellness of our children. See below for just some of the benefits of play:

• Enhances brain structure and function
• Promotes executive functioning – the process of learning that helps us focus while ignoring distractions
• Reduces and manages toxic stress while building resilience
• Decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Improves self-regulation and body awareness
• Promotes social emotional learning and healthy connection with others
• Supports safe and nurturing environments and relationships
• Improves motor skills, coordination, self-esteem, and confidence
• Inspires creative thinking
• Provides learning opportunities regarding success and failure

Check out some great resources on the benefits of play for our youth!

• What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health
• What Role do Sports Play in the Mental Health of Children?
• The Power of Play - How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive
• Play! It's good for your family's health