Pat Rumbaugh on Play

Pat Rumbaugh - widely known as ‘The Play Lady’ - founded ‘Let’s Play America’ with Daniel Nakamura in January 2015 and is a two-time TEDx speaker.

In this session, Pat discusses the Play Day events in Takoma Park, Maryland and explains the benefits of such play activities for children. She explains how to scale down or adapt these types of events for early childhood education settings and how to get funding.
· September 15, 2023

Pat Rumbaugh – widely known as ‘The Play Lady’ – founded the organization The Play Committee in 2009, which was renamed 2010 TakomaPlays!, in Takoma Park, Maryland. She went on to found ‘Let’s Play America’ with Daniel Nakamura in January 2015.

Pat was a physical education teacher and coach at the Washington International School for more than 25 years and has presented two TEDx talks. “When I play, I am happy, energized and enthusiastic, and I feel like I can take on the world,” says Pat, who is a passionate play advocate and encourages people of all ages to experience the benefits of playing.

Pat discusses the Play Day events in Takoma Park, Maryland – including ‘Simon Says’ led by Congressman Jamie Raskin. She explains the benefits of such play activities for children such as discovering new things, going outside themselves, and engaging in different forms of play.

Pat suggests that play events should also include quiet corners for children who prefer a quieter play experience. Pat explains how to scale down or adapt these types of events for early childhood education settings by involving staff, children, and families in the planning process and using recycled materials for play.

Breaking News: we are delighted to congratulate Pat on being awarded The Fred Rogers Institute Helper Award on the 24th of August 2023.

Informed and inspired by the legacy of Fred Rogers, the Fred Rogers Institute Helper Awards honour and recognize the individuals who care for children and communities in ordinary and extraordinary ways in their daily and professional lives.

The Fred Rogers Institute has a 20 year history of looking for the helpers, respecting the unique and essential contributions they make to children’s lives, and supporting and uplifting their work. The awards are a new initiative developed in honour of the 20th anniversary of the Institute, in memory of Fred Rogers, and in thanks to the individuals we all look to as “helpers.”

Links:

www.letsplayamerica.org

https://twitter.com/patrumbaughplay
https://www.facebook.com/letsplayamericanltd
http://letsplayamerica.org/donate/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SecOJkJvPxY&t=58s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWmKEMNZkOg&t=15s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMSY6chehyY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxEas0hjPSY

Pat urges people in the UK who are involved in Early Childhood to apply to www.changeX.org for the Play Day Project. This is a win for everyone. Your community of children and their families will be delighted to attend, participate and play. The staff will see how magical play is for children, especially when children can choose what they wish to play.

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