MAKE SOME MEMORY MOMENTS AT THE SMART PLAY SPOT

Memory moments, have you had one? I’ve been having them all of my life. They happen when I’m in the midst of a particularly pleasant experience and I think to myself, “I don’t want to forget this.” It’s not just remembering the event, but more; it’s recalling the sights and smells and sounds that go along with it, as well!

I had a particularly fun memory moment a couple of summers back. My three grandchildren and I were having a tea party, seated around a table at the back of the house. It was late in the afternoon on a warm, sunny day. The baby of the group was only a little more than a year old, but she was in on the party with all the rest. The twins, age four, were heavy into the pouring, filling and refilling the cups, even running to the garden hose to replenish the teapot.

As I watched Baby Charlotte take tea, more often than not spilling most of the contents of her cup on the table, the ground, and herself, I was giddy with laughter! It was a moment I hope to bring to mind as long as I am able to. In that simple moment, all of the children were honing their fine motor skills, pretending, sharing, and more.

Compliments of the Minnesota Children’s Museum and other funders, the R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury is the lucky recipient of a Smart Play Spot. Yes, it’s a place where preschool kids can come and play and learn. There’s a picnic table, a grill, a boat, a food market, and more for kids and their caregivers to explore. It won’t be quiet – there will be squabbles about taking turns and sharing. Anticipate hearing a hearty crew of fisher people singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat!” And there will be shouts across the room – “Mom, it’s a bear!” Kids will be practicing the five skills that help to prepare them for school: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. They will be pretending, meeting new friends, playing with moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas. And I’m hoping users will have some memory moments, have experiences so phenomenal they will commit them to memory and make those memories last a lifetime! Come check it out!

Library Woman is Joey Halbach, Community Relations Librarian for Washington County Library. Contact her at: joey.halbach@co.washington.mn.us