A Time to Play
September 17th, 2024
| “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” -Kay Redfield Jamison On Tuesday, September 17, Selwyn’s Director of Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Jennifer Livas, appeared on a national broadcast of Morning on Merit Street, airing on Dr. Phil’s MeritTV. In that segment, she shared toys that we love because they encourage young children to be autonomous and creative. Mrs. Livas shares more of her perspective below: Pursuing play as a child is an instinctual, innate right. You might be thinking “that’s a powerful statement for something as simple as play.” Recent research shows that playing as a child is an indicator to a successful adulthood. But why? And how? Here are a few things to keep in mind as we open up a conversation about play–specifically autonomous play. Play is joyful. The squeal of delight, the gasp of wonder and the twinkle in the eye is a common response to a joyful play environment. When we feel joy, our brain locks it in. Everything in that moment is captivated and pulled in tight to be processed in the brain. These moments happen organically but they also happen intentionally. Play is learner-led. Children have brilliant ideas, and their ability to take risk in play is at its peak in early childhood. Think of the last time you built something taller than your own body with absolute certainty you would then knock it over. They are all-in, but usually only when it makes sense to them. When a child is interested in what they are learning, the sky is the limit! Play is a search for the unknown. It turns out that children don’t need us to be factual. They need us to ask questions as a response to their questions. A child might ask: “How does the plane fly up there?” while pointing to the sky. There is a reason. I know, you know, and we all might have a decent idea as to why. But an answer isn’t necessary here. A search for the unknown is necessary, though. I might ask the child in return “what do you think is going on up there?” “What do you see?” “Hmmm…I wonder what it could be.” Marvel at this invention of a plane. Let it sink in. Be in the moment of wonder with them. A playful environment is both an atmosphere of curiosity and wonder as well as resourceful and inspiring. In our classrooms; we have five types of materials we keep accessible to the students as they navigate play. Storytelling: These open-ended and colorful materials can be used in multiple ways. These can include blocks, people, plants, nature items, rocks, maybe train tracks and/or city blocks. Storytelling offers a small world play for children to gain literacy and language skills. As they create stories, they are using their imagination and social-emotional skills to bring a story to life. Think of a book: it has a beginning, middle and end. They can learn at a very young age the art of storytelling that will keep the imagination alive. Creative Expression: Children long to be individually seen and heard. A table-top easel, blank paper or canvas, washable paints and a few brushes encourage the child to draw or paint what is in their imagination. Creativity is at the core of new inventions, confidence, self-esteem and innovate thinking. By allowing a child to freely paint and create at a young age, they develop a mindset that fosters new ideas and the confidence to express it! Light Table: Light changes everything. Have you ever seen the way a prism catches the sunlight? It feels magical. A light table can bring regular materials to a new level that is an invitation to see things in a new way. This is a great tool for teaching the brain perspective, focus and attention to detail. By using translucent materials, the science of color, shadow, height and depth cause a natural curiosity and fulfillment for the desire to know more. Sensory: Clay, play-dough and water play appeal to all of the senses. When the senses are simultaneously stimulated, the brain is ready to learn at an optimal level! Sculpting, pinching, pressing are a few of the skills that teach persistence and patience. Many times when children are working with clay and water, they are quietly busy forming something they see in their mind. It is one of the most stimulating forms of play! Ramp & Balls: A simple rubber ramp and balls can be a perfect tool for hands-on STEM learning. By manipulating this ramp, the child is learning the physics of force, speed, gravity. There are a variety of organic problems that occur with the ramp that make it a great tool for critical thinking and innovative mindset. The ramp can be added to all of the other materials above and also used outside. All of the materials listed above are considered open-ended materials that can be used for a variety of play ideas and with a variety of ages. These materials have no agenda except to spark the imagination of the child. There is no right or wrong way to engage with these materials. That’s the beauty of play! Just tinker, balance, experiment and be in the moment. Let the play do the work! |
