do less, live more
I recently gave a talk at a conference for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. At the end of the talk, we were talking as a group. One PT mentioned that she was noticing that one of her patients had stopped making progress since moving to a new, smaller apartment, with little free space for movement. Another PT in the audience suggested going to the public library.
I love this suggestion! I'm all about combining gross motor skills and/or physical activity with learning. When working with kids, I frequently incorporate spelling, letter recognition, counting, and so forth, into the physical activities I'm doing with them. Going to the public library offers space to move around, as well as a zillion opportunities to read a good book!
library story time
movement, music and good reads
Best of all, public libraries are free, and it's free to check out books (unless you chronically return them late, like us...but that's another issue). Most communities have public libraries and frequently offer tons of activities for both kids and adults throughout the week and weekend, including Story Time.
Story Time at the library typically involves reading multiple books, socializing and interacting with other children, following rules and instructions and dancing, moving and singing. Story time offers kids the opportunity for learning, movement, entertainment and interaction, while offering weary parents a little bit of rest! Our library even installed a small coffee bar at the entrance. Books, coffee, entertainment...is this a dream?!