Thank You Baltimore!
Last month, on a chilly fall day, Baltimore hosted their first ever citywide play-date! The Baltimore Ultimate Block Party was held at the historic Baltimore waterfront. Families from all over the city came to play and learn—and participate in a movement to bring play to the forefront for Baltimore’s children. Kids who came participated in a range of activities, all of which were designed to reinforce a skill a child needs to succeed in school and in life. Kids practiced creativity with Speakaboos, authoring their own story from a single picture. They learned communications skills at Goddard School’s Let’s Play Café, where they pretended to be chefs preparing imaginary meals. They learned confidence in controlling their bodies as they danced along with Molly Shattuck and participated in a huge game of Simon Says. They learned about collaboration as they played together jumping rope at the Playworks Play Station. And so much more! Please check out our pictures from the event—a picture is worth a thousand words! Also, if you couldn’t make it down to event, please see our PlayBook for ideas you can use at home to create play opportunities to enhance learning.
The Ultimate Block Party in Your Town
If you are interested in bringing the Ultimate Block Party to your town, please email Susan Royer, sroyer@ultimateblockparty.org.
Event Reviews
“We’ve been to block parties before, but we’d never seen anything like the Ultimate Block Party.” AOL ParentDish, 10/6/10
“The event is likely to catalyze a new round of discussions and debate about children’s playtime at home, playful learning in school, and how American childhood is changing. These are incredibly important conversations.” New America Foundation’s Early Ed Watch, 9/24/10
“A day for serious play” New York Magazine, 10/4/10
“[This group] wants to remind kids and parents that play is a big part of kids’ lives and kids should be playing and being creative and having fun.” Time Out New York Kids’ Rory Halperin on WCBS, 10/2/10
“Creative kid fest” DailyCandy, 9/27/10
“…the Ultimate Block Party was designed to help families experience firsthand just how important play is in helping kids learn. More than 30 interactive activities took place throughout the day, all geared toward teaching kids the ‘6Cs’ they’ll need for success in the 21st century: Collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence.” AOL ParentDish, 10/6/10
“Critics’ pick. This new event, expected to be an annual occurrence, is all about promoting play – something every kid can get behind.”
Time Out New York Kids, 10/10
“It’s the kind of event that will make you want to be a kid again!” Time Out New York Kids Weekly Newsletter, 9/30/10
“Simon says go to Central Park” The New York Times, 10/1/10
“A truly wonderful day of joy for children and families -- engagment, wonder and learning all in one! Can't wait for Baltimore's next one!” Bryn Parchman, President and CEO, Port Discovery Children's Museum
