Zelienople library’s life-size Candyland encourages children to use imagination
For nearly a month, the address of Ice Cream Slopes, Chocolate Mountain and Lollipop Woods correlates with the Zelienople Area Public Library.
Through Jan. 20, the library is hosting a life-size version of Candyland, the popular children’s game that fosters imagination as players explore several candy-themed lands on their way to the Candy Castle.
This winter marks the third time the library has set up the game. About 400 people played the game at the Zelienople library last year, and the children's librarian Alyssa Smith hopes to see even more people enjoy the setup this year.
When exploring the Cupcake Commons for ourselves this past weekend, we were happy to learn about this way that the library is engaging children in our community and encouraging imaginative play, which pediatricians and psychologists say is important to child development.
According to a 2023 article by Psychology Today, when children make-believe they are learning social skills, such as communication, empathy, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. This type of playing also helps develop curiosity and creativity.
Psychology Today suggested parents read to their children — another activity promoted by area libraries — as a way to encourage imaginative play.
A September 2018 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics also called playing an “opportunity to promote the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills that build executive function and a prosocial brain.”
The study, “Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children” also said play can support the formation of “safe, stable, and nurturing relationships” with their caregivers and help them to manage “toxic stress.”
The study goes on to talk about specific types of play, saying board games are a type of play that helps children to socialize, negotiate rules and learn to cooperate.
We think that the life-size version of board games likely has similar benefits to children.
The Candyland game is open through Jan. 20 during the library's normal business hours. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
— TL
