“Play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.”
It sure is great to be starting another new adventure in learning!
It’s the beginning of my next course with many opportunities to push thinking forward with Lotje.
This is a great issue on display until February 2014. All about CREATIVITY! Page 79 begins a fascinating study on the serious need for PLAY. Free, imaginative play is crucial for normal social, emotional and cognitive development. It makes us better adjusted, smarter and less stressed. Kids and animals that do not play when they are young may grow into anxious, socially maladjusted adults. Play teaches kids to better communicate with one another.The creative aspect of play is key because it challenges the brain more than following predetermined rules. Elkind warns that, “Play has to be reframed and seen not as an opposite to work but as a compliment.” He also says, “Curiosity, imagination and creativity are like muscles: if you don’t use them, you lose them.”
You will want to check out Kei Tua o the Pae
Rock with Pete the Cat! 🙂
It’s about building relationships with those children we work with!
Rita Pierson’s message is powerful!
My new book from Amazon arrived! Yippee!
It contains all kinds of designs for creating outdoor play environments for the soul.
Children are tuned in to the magic of life! ” Nature is the teacher.” William Wordsworth
The weather was mild, so we pulled on our snow gear and We headed out to the bush equipped with a few snow shovels and some “musts” for our snowman. We commented on all the changes in the bush that the snow has brought. We all worked together rolling snowballs and making our snowman. The chipmunks were chirping in the distance.
I have really enjoyed sharing resources with you…resources that I just treasure!
It is my hope that I have either… ignited a thirst for inquiry based learning or have helped you better understand and manage inquiry and project based learning. It sure helped me!
I chose a water lily at the beginning of the journey. I, like the water lily reached deep down to the bottom of the pond to form an anchor and opened up as a beautiful, fragrant bloom!
I am submitting my work for my course now…but keep peeking in as I want to continue adding surprises of our learning together! 🙂
Enjoy! The Mobile: Reggio-Inspired Kindergarten Project The College School
A Place of Wonder 