PLAY IS HEALING

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, 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 Playtime POP-ups

Please join us in 2022 for Playtime POP-ups at various locations in the community. Involved organizations will have a booth or table providing activities, play equipment, games, art projects, and structured or unstructured play opportunities according to each event's theme. Geared towards elementary students. FREE Pre-registration highly encouraged, drop-ins welcome. 

Donations to the program are gratefully accepted so that we can maintain the program long term and provide experiences to all regardless of income. For more information please contact Play is Healing Coordinator Rachael Haas at 920-946-0058 or info@playishealing.org.

PLAYTIME POP-UPS IN THE PARKS
Fridays 10a-12p
Various parks throughout the county

• June 17 SHAW PLAYGROUND 2614 Pine Grove Avenue, Sheboygan
• June 24 ROOSEVELT PARK 1103 Mead Avenue, Sheboygan
• July 8 MEMORIAL PARK 21 Van Altena Ave, Cedar Grove
  
• July 15 UPPER LOST WOODS PARK "PURPLE PARK" 401-449 Valley Rd, Kohler
• July 22 GENERAL KING PARK 1615 S. 7th Street, Sheboygan
  
• July 29 CITY PARK 203 Suhrke Street, Plymouth
  
• August 5 DELAND PARK 715 Broughton Drive, Sheboygan
• August 12 SHAW PLAYGROUND 2614 Pine Grove Avenue, Sheboygan

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