LYNNFIELD — A Healthy Lynnfield is bringing author Peter Gray to speak to the Lynnfield community to discuss the importance of childhood play on Wednesday, Feb. 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Lynnfield Middle School auditorium.
Gray is author of “Psychology,” an introductory textbook now in its sixth edition and, most recently, “Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play will Make our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant and Better Students for Life.”
“Under the premise that the world of childhood has changed and children spend less time engaged in genuine free play, it is imperative that adults understand the role childhood play does have in meeting children’s basic needs for autonomy, competence and connection,” said Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade in a press release. “Play impacts social-emotional skill-building, mental health, learning and overall health. How can families, neighborhoods, schools and communities make time and space for children’s free play? Join us to discuss these ideas with Boston College research professor and author, Peter Gray, Ph.D.”
This session is for parents and educators of all ages.