The room 6 Cougar Cubs are forming friendships and bonding with each other during this first month of school. It is such a joy to see the children help each other, comfort friends when they get sad, celebrate each achievement together, and use their imagination to create games, solve problems, and explore their world.
Recently, on the playground, a small group were sliding together down the double slide. One boy lifted his hands as he was going down the slide, the next "copied" this action. The next in line stayed back to "pretend buckle" the next passenger. An thus began the game of Roller Coaster. Soon there was a ticket taker, a loader, and of course the passengers. I just had to close my eyes and listen to be taken to the fair, or the boardwalk at Santa Cruz beach, as the children's screams of joy wafted through the late afternoon air. This group of students were well into cooperative play that they developed organically from a single action. There was problem solving, negotiating, a system developed, and teamwork.
Lately there has been a lot of published research regarding the loss of Playtime in school, as early as preschool, and the emotional toll it has taken on childhood. Play is a child's work and the way children build background knowledge to support new learning. Play does not need to be planned, but it does need to be put into everyday opportunities for all ages.
Take a moment, and join your children in play! Let them lead the game, create characters, become the monster or kitten, and follow them into this creative world. Get ready to loaded onto the Roller Coaster, raise your hands high into the air, and let out that scream of joy! You are going to take the ride of your life.
Recently, on the playground, a small group were sliding together down the double slide. One boy lifted his hands as he was going down the slide, the next "copied" this action. The next in line stayed back to "pretend buckle" the next passenger. An thus began the game of Roller Coaster. Soon there was a ticket taker, a loader, and of course the passengers. I just had to close my eyes and listen to be taken to the fair, or the boardwalk at Santa Cruz beach, as the children's screams of joy wafted through the late afternoon air. This group of students were well into cooperative play that they developed organically from a single action. There was problem solving, negotiating, a system developed, and teamwork.
Lately there has been a lot of published research regarding the loss of Playtime in school, as early as preschool, and the emotional toll it has taken on childhood. Play is a child's work and the way children build background knowledge to support new learning. Play does not need to be planned, but it does need to be put into everyday opportunities for all ages.
Take a moment, and join your children in play! Let them lead the game, create characters, become the monster or kitten, and follow them into this creative world. Get ready to loaded onto the Roller Coaster, raise your hands high into the air, and let out that scream of joy! You are going to take the ride of your life.