We at Roslindale Wants to Play have been busy this winter planning for a big start to 2018 with an exciting line-up of events. Here’s what we’ve got going on:

• March 13 – Anji Play: The Future of Play
• April 6 & 7 – Disco Alley
• April 28 & 29 – Build Zone
• Bonus Note – New Logo!

Keep reading for more details…

March 13 – Anji Play: The Future of Play

Join nationally renowned child psychologist and author Dr. Lawrence J. Cohen – a Roslindale resident – to learn about Anji Play, a transformative approach to play developed over the past 16 years by educator Cheng Xueqin. Incorporating site-specific environments, unique materials, and integrated technology, the Anji Play ecology of learning is quickly establishing itself as a new global standard for early childhood education and redefining understandings of learning, cognitive development and design.

Dr. Cohen recently traveled to Anji County, China to take part in Anji Play’s third Study Tour:

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"I have seen the future of early childhood education and it is Anji Play. Phenomenal learning takes place in Anji—cognitive, social, emotional, creative, scientific—because pressure and conflict have been replaced by love and support. We have known a long time that children learn best when they are fully engaged with their teachers, their peers, and their environment. They learn best when they feel joy rather than fear or boredom. All of these things are evident in every aspect of Anji Play, all day long, to a degree I have not seen anywhere else." —Dr. Larry Cohen, author Playful Parenting

A post shared by Anji Play (@anjiplay) on Jan 22, 2018 at 10:58am PST

Please join us on March 13 to learn more about this unique style of play and early learning, and how we can adopt Anji Play concepts into our own play practice right here in Boston.

About Lawrence J. Cohen

Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D., the author of Playful Parenting and The Opposite of Worry, is a licensed psychologist specializing in children’s play and play therapy. In addition to his private therapy practice, he is also a speaker and consultant to public and independent schools, and a teacher of parenting classes and classes for daycare teachers. Dr. Cohen is also the co-author, with Anthony DeBenedet, of The Art of Roughhousing. He wrote two books about children’s friendships and peer relationships with Michael Thompson and Catherine O’Neill Grace: Best Friends, Worst Enemies, and Mom, They’re Teasing Me. His books have been translated into fourteen languages. Larry’s column in Nick Jr. Magazine was the winner of the 2003 Golden Lamp award from Education Press.

Dr. Cohen, who lives near Fallon Field, is graciously volunteering his time and expertise to the Roslindale Wants to Play community. Learn more about Larry at his web site, www.playfulparenting.com.

Presentation Details

Dr. Cohen’s presentation, to be followed by questions and answers, will be held on Tuesday, March 13 from 6-8 PM at the Weld Research Center at Arnold Arboretum, 1300 Centre Street. This will be an informative session geared towards parents and educators, and not a play event for children. We regret that we will not be able to provide childcare.

April 6 & 7 – Disco Alley

Pull out your polyester and come down to the Taft Hill Municipal Lot walkway on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, from 5-10 PM. Working with Bruce Spero (Creative Director at Trivium Interactive) and Roslindale audio master Glenn Williams, we will turn this underappreciated public space into an interactive disco. Building upon the LED lights embedded in the walkway, each element – lights, a disco ball, and, of course, disco music – will require activation of motion sensors spread throughout the alleyway. So, the more folks there, the more of a dance party it will be. While you are at the walkway, visit the patio at 753 South for ’70s themed food and drinks.

This project is an early experiment in our emerging effort to create playful, serendipitous experiences for pedestrians in Roslindale. It is intended for all ages.

April 28 & 29 – Build Zone

On April 28 & 29, Roslindale Wants to Play will host a reprise of our successful and popular Build Zone event. This year we will take over the historic Roslindale Substation for two days of creativity and fun.

Build Zone is a huge collaborative ball run event. Roslindale Wants to Play provides custom-built conveyor belts along with cardboard and plastic tubing, various support stands, hundreds of balls, lots and lots of duct tape, and more. We then step back and see what the kids (and some adults who can’t resist joining!) create. The result is a great day of community, collaboration, and fun. Check out these photos and videos from last year’s event for an idea of what to expect.

Build Zone Details

Build Zone will take place on April 28 and April 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Roslindale Substation, 4228 Washington Street.

Logo Design

We hope you’ve noticed our new logo. We figure we’ve been doing this long enough now to have a new identity. We are also in the process of incorporating into a non-profit corporation and are seeking 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. If you like what we do and want to support us, you can soon make a tax-free contribution. Stay tuned.