Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/26/2008 06:48 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 10/28/2008 07:56 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Documentary Film on Modern Childhood Asks “Where Do the Children Play?”
Angels Camp, CA....A new documentary film, Where Do the Children Play examines an issue of growing concern among pediatricians, mental health experts, educators and environmentalist: more and more children are growing up today with little or no opportunity for unstructured play, especially outdoors. The film will be shown at a free public screening at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp on October 28, 2008 - Doors open at 6:00 p.m. – Show begins at 6:30 p.m......
The event is sponsored by First 5 Calaveras, Mark Twain St. Josephs Hospital Foundation, Calaveras County Community Advisory Council, HRC Child Care Resources, Amador Calaveras Constructing Connections, and Bret Harte Union School District with the assistance from the US. Alliance for Childhood, a non profit research and advocacy group that works for the restoration of play to children’s lives. Panelists include Ryan Thompson, MD – Chief of Staff MTSJH, Michael Kriletich – Chief Probation Officer, Calaveras County, Janet Orvis Cook – Director of Child Development, Modesto city Schools, John E. Peckler – Principal, Toyon Middle School, CUSD, Steve Wilensky – Farmer, Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, District 2.
“Where Do the Children Play? Grew out of Elizabeth Goodenoughs’ work on “secret spaces of childhood at the University of Michigan. The film was written and directed by Christopher cook and produced by Michigan Public Television.
“Children need free time everyday to discover their own abilities, desires, and limitations,” say Goodenough, who also edited the films accompany study guide. “Open-ended exploration and play in woods, fields, vacant lots, or other semi – wild spaces enhance curiosity and confidence throughout life.”
A marked decline in children’s spontaneous and creative play is a key factor in their increasing mental health problems, according to a recent statement from an international group of educators and children’s advocates. They call for a “wide-ranging and informed public dialogue about the intrinsic nature and value of play in c children’s healthy development.”
Their letter echoed a recent warning for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): children have far too little time for unstructured play, which leads to increased stress in their lives. Causes of the demise of play cited by the group include parental fears of “ stranger danger” and the explosion of electronic entertainment – to the point of addiction for some – in the lives of today’s children. These and other issues are explored in the film. Please join Parents, Educators , Youth and Community Leaders for this free viewing of this important film and a conversation with panelist about our children.
For more information you can contact: Joyce Peek at First 5 Calaveras 754. 1470 or joycepeek@sbcglobal.net
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