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Imagine your PLAY - 4 Hour Class

Last week, when we were outside at the playground, I noticed that Chloe, Keira and Sara kept running towards and away from the climber for a good ten minutes. They looked like they were on a mission. This observation got me curious so I went closer to the climber to hear their conversations.

Keira asked Chloe and Sara to put on their underwater suits and get the treasure. Chloe and Sara pretended to zip up their suits and they were ready to go underwater. They then ran around and around the blue playground looking for the treasure. Keira asked me if I could help control the submarine and without hesitation I said “yes”! She asked me to climb up the climber and showed me how to stop the submarine.  She left the climber and ran towards Chloe and Sara. The girls got some rocks and brought them back to the climber.

Keira, Chloe and Sara told me that the climber can be anything they want it to be. It can be a rocket ship to bring them to the moon, an airplane to take them to Disneyland or a car to bring them home. Keira showed me the buttons that can make the climber change into anything.
 
After learning about this, I slowly distanced myself from the climber and the girls continued to play until it was time to go back inside the classroom. They even expanded their play by letting other children join in and moving to the big playground.

The girls discussing where they are going next...
Chloe and Sara looking for treasure underwater
 
 
Keira showing me the buttons that make the climber change.
 
Observing this type of play outside at the playground made me realize that it is important to give children time to play with their natural environment as this provides them the chance to move their bodies and use their imagination. Not rushing this type of play is crucial as they need time to explore their surroundings and be able to tie in their play with what is present in their current environment. It was such a pleasure to see how their play unfolded and how happy they were together. I am looking forward to witnessing more of this type of play when we are outside.
 
Until next time,
Patricia


 






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