I think play today is a lot like the play I used to have in my younger years. If children actually get off their I-pads and tablets and play with materials, nature, and sports-related items it would be the same. I feel parents have to lay the foundations for creating and effect free play for their children. Allow children to explore. Support them while they play. Give them materials that will enhance their thinking skills and encourage their play. Don't be afraid your children will get messy, get hurt, or fail at something. FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning.
I work in child care. I get to play all day. With different age groups of children. I love what I do. I love giving them the tools to creatively learn and have fun. A child's work is their play. I am just here to enhance their learning, stimulate their minds with new ideas and encourage them to keep asking questions.
I love the mud quote so much!! What a powerful image and statement :) I had never heard of the statement, "FAIL-first attempt at learning" and I love it, I can't wait to utilize that with my students at school. Thanks for a great post.
ReplyDelete-Rebecca Hurth
Hey Kathleen, it is great to have a father around when growing up. I lost my dad when I was eight years old. I had a strong family though- being the baby in the family, my older siblings and other family members were there for me. All the same I missed my dad when he passed away. Anyway, the bond I formed through play with some of my playmates still stand till date.
ReplyDeleteI used to love playing in the mud and dirt as a child. Many of my punishments came from me tracking up the house. My mom is not a big fan of animals. I remember finding a few frogs from digging up mud and putting them in my room in a jar to hide them from her. She was livid when she caught the from jumping around in the living room.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I agree that it is important for parents to lay the foundation of free play for children. I grew up surrounded by nature and art. I feel that the creative foundation I received helped me immensely during my childhood. Even today, when I'm stressed I like to go outside or start a creative project. I read in an NPR article the other day, that David Beckham the soccer player uses Legos to cope with his stress levels. Even as adults we can benefit from the type of play we were exposed to as children.
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your childhood memories with us. I enjoyed hearing about how your parents supported your playtime. Playing in the mud and getting dirty was never an option for me as a child. However, I do not believe I was interested in that type of play. I liked that your parents encouraged you to play how you wanted to. Even allowing your brother to dress up with you. Often households do not agree with males dressing up. Your parents allowed you and your brother to explore your imaginations and that is amazing.
Thank you for sharing your childhood memories with us! I don't have much memory of my connection with play due to traumatic events at an early age. As an adult I love nature and when working with children I make it mandatory that they at least spend 2-3 days weekly outside. I notice they are able to express themselves through play and build a rapport with their peers.
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