The Genius of Play to Launch Month-Long Celebration of Play this May

March 5, 2019 | In order to raise awareness with the public and media about the benefits of play to child development, The Genius of Play is launching “Play All May,” the initiative's first-ever month-long celebration of play. Toy Association member companies are encouraged to join the fun and submit products to be featured in one of the daily giveaways.

“While there are dozens of other ‘months’ honoring various initiatives and causes, there has never been one designated specifically for play, and yet getting kids to play is absolutely critical to their healthy development,” said Ken Seiter, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a clinical report asking pediatricians to write kids a ‘prescription for play,’ and dozens of states are calling on legislation to increase the length of recess at schools. Our first-ever month of play will help further the momentum – because play IS serious and deserves to be celebrated!”

Each day throughout the month of May, The Genius of Play will share fun and engaging play activities on its social media channels and award daily giveaways of toy and game prizes to lucky winners. It’s a great opportunity for the member companies to highlight their products and brands to The Genius of Play’s social media audience of more than 2 million people monthly. Companies will also be able to share “Play All May” assets on their own channels to spotlight the importance of play.

The Genius of Play will kick off the month-long celebration with a new PSA campaign on national TV and a live announcement at the TTPM press conference in New York City. A satellite media tour featuring a spokesperson from The Genius of Play will also help spread awareness about the various developmental benefits of play. Dozens of online influencers will promote the initiative with social posts on their own channels and 75 Learning Express stores all over the country will feature special “Play All May” signage and hold events to bring the celebration to their local communities.

To reserve a spot in the giveaway program, member companies can fill out the online form. Submissions will be accepted through March 31. For more information, contact Janis Zegman, marketing project manager at The Toy Association. 

The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative is a leading resource on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of play that serve children throughout their lives for parents, teachers, and the public. The Genius of Play’s website offers expert advice from play and child experts ranging from child psychologists to play community activists, play ideas, and resources for teachers. Follow The Genius of Play on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.