Nothing New...

When I started teaching preschool way back in 1979 the trend was for everything natural, everything real.  Like wooden structures on the play yards, real pots and pans, telephones and such in the dramatic play areas.  Then, it slowly moved to brightly colored plastic play equipment which was more durable and was easier to maintain. The dramatic play toys became “child sized,” plastic and brightly colored as well.

Now, we are seeing the tide turn and the trend is going back to natural environments and real things to pretend with while playing and learning about their world around them.  And, I am happy as can be! It is only when I look back I see the real value in using items that are “real world” for our young children. 

Not only do I believe children enjoy real items like pots and pans, telephones, keyboards, nuts and bolts, rocks and logs, water and dirt/sand more, they also provide a variety of advantages.  First and foremost there is a greater respect for them and their play. Also, these items provide a variety of textures to feel, weight which builds muscle strength and they make sounds when clanked together. They provide wonderful opportunities for exploration and imagination.

 So, open up the kitchen cabinets and the back doors once again and let your children have at it!

Springtime

                 

 Spring is right around the corner and the trees and flowers are starting to bloom.  Our children are doing the same thing!!  Growth spurts, increased verbal skills and cooperative play is emerging.

Along with the growth in social skills, also comes frustration.  Our Three-Year-Olds are beginning to move away from parallel play and starting to engage in cooperative play. They no longer have to work just on sharing toys and props, but now they have to work on sharing thoughts and ideas. Our older children begin to increase the complexity of their play scenarios. 

It may seem as though they have regressed, when really they are taking on new challenges and need time to repeatedly practice these skills in order to master them. 

The saying...“Take one step forward and two steps backwards” is really true.  As parents and teachers, it is helpful to understand that when new skills are developing our children need our patience, comfort and yet still need good boundaries.