School Sponsoring Feb. 25 Documentary Screening At Bethel Cinema

The documentary Where Do the Children Play?, which examines how restrictive patterns of sprawl, congestion, and suburban development are impacting children’s mental and physical health and development, will be presented with a lecture by noted educator Joan Almon at Bethel Cinema on Thursday, February 25, at 7 pm.

“Children’s ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health,” said Ms Almon, who is executive director of the US Alliance for Childhood.  “Data shows that children who were the most active players in early childhood classes also showed the greatest gains in language development, a key to becoming good readers, and in imagination, which makes all subjects come alive. They are also the least aggressive.”

The family event is open to the community and is sponsored by the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School in Newtown along with the Apple Blossom School in Wilton and the Clover Hill School in Norwalk. The purpose of the event, according to a press release, is to support the awareness that creative play is central to early childhood.

“The more children can be absorbed in their play, the more freely and effectively they will take hold of their potentials in the future,” said Ms Almon. “Parents need to understand how to foster this in their children.”

The US Alliance for Childhood is a partnership of educators, physicians, parents, and others advocating for social change to improve children’s overall health and well-being. Ms Almon has more than 30 years’ experience as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher and consultant to Waldorf kindergartens throughout the world.

The documentary and community lecture is open to the public. A $10 donation at the door is suggested. For more information, call 203-364-1113.