'Play Lady' Calls for Old-Fashioned Play

Hello again and welcome back. I’m June Simms in Washington.
 
Today on As It Is…
 
Happy birthday wishes going out to Big Joe Turner. Some say rock and roll would have never happened without him.
 
And we hear about the first national women’s soccer team for Tibet.
 
But first, we report on efforts to move playtime back outside.

'Play Lady' Calls for Old-Fashioned Play
 
With the growing use of computers and electronic games, playing outside the home has become a lost art for many children. This is especially true in cities. But a former school teacher is working with children and adults to make “old-fashioned” play a regular part of their lives.
 
On a recent Sunday, a street in the Washington, DC area was closed to traffic and turned into a playground. Children and adults of all ages came outside to play.
 
“Well, that is my exercise, right? It is a gorgeous day. So we come out and play. I like to play. We all love to play. That's why we are here.”
 
Pat Rumbaugh has been organizing play days across the Washington area for the past five years. This one was held in Takoma Park, Maryland, which is also where she lives.
 
“We invite everyone, not only residents in Takoma Park but people beyond. Because really what we care about is encouraging everyone to play.”
 
Pat Rumbaugh is known as The Play Lady in this neighborhood. She taught physical education for 30 years before retiring recently. She says people need to play every day, especially if they work hard.
 
“Research does show that society, people in general, would feel so much better if they played. When people play they are less stressed, they are happier, they are more content with life.”
 
She says unstructured free play is especially important for children.
 
“Children learn to get along with one another, they learn to negotiate, they learn to be kind. Children learn new experiences, they learn how to play new games. “
 
And they get to make up new activities, wearing clothes donated by neighbors.
 
“When they play with dress-up clothes, they become creative and imaginative, which they may not have tried before.”
 
Tony Castleman went to the play day with his two young sons. He says such events are not only good for children, but are also good for the community.
 
“I think it is a great way for the neighborhood just to sort of bond and to spend time together.”
 
Jamie Raskin represents Takoma Park in Maryland’s State Senate. He thinks the play dates are a great idea, too.
 
“I think it can be reproduced in cities and towns all over the state and across the country eventually.”
 
That, in fact, is Pat Rumbaugh’s next big goal.
 
“I decided that I would form a non-profit called Let’s Play America that helps facilitate play in communities, towns, cities all over America.”
 
You are listening to As It Is, from VOA Learning English. I’m June Simms.

***部分省略***

Happy Birthday Big Joe Turner
 
We leave you with music from legendary singer Big Joe Turner. The so-called “boss of the blues” and “grandfather of rock and roll” was born on this day in 1911. He is perhaps most well-known for his 1954 hit song “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”
 
Have a great day!