The play that I remember most is outdoor and dramatic play, usually a combination of both. Also dancing and bike riding, this too incorporated some type of dramatic, pretend or fantasy play for me as a child. I remember playing for hours in the sand and small waves when visiting the ocean. Creating forts out of bushes and trees near our home where we would play 'house' or have thematic club. I was really into creating dance routines, comedy productions and being the lead in my group of friends. I often initiated themes and projects."Play involves a free choice activity that is non-literal, self-motivated, enjoyable and process oriented. Critical to this definition is the non-literal, non-realistic aspect. This means external aspects of time, use of materials, the environment, rules of the play activity, and roles of the participants are all made up by the children playing. They are based on the child's sense of reality" (Wardle, 1987, p. 27)." (Wardle, 2010).
When I was younger, adults provided me space, materials and freedom for play. There are differences in play for the children that surround me now as an adult than when I was a child. At home and in the preschool's where I work children are provided plenty of materials, yet limited indoor space and outdoor freedom for play. What these children do have more of than I did as a child are adult guidance and interactions. The limited outside freedom comes from increased safety issues and an increase of fear on the adults part. Also the lack of outdoor space in general. The importance of spending time with children is more consistent my life now.
Wardle, F. (n.d.). Play as curriculum. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=127
Thanks Cassie!
ReplyDeleteI really like this picture. I didn't have ocean, but Lake Michigan looks much like this. What is it about forts that children find so intriguing? Fort building seems to be one of the favorite childhood memories for many adults. It's like the ultimate hub of outdoor make believe play. I do have memories of fort building indoors too but it was much different with blankets being the main tool. I don't recall as much make believe play around indoor forts. Just cuddling under, like a tent. Good times...
Hi Cassie,
ReplyDeleteIt seems we all have that picture of us as a child, sitting in the sand on the beach. I have one as a baby and it's amazing that something so simple as going to the beach can be fodder for learning, playing, creating and imagining. Think of how your imagination went wild, as you played in the sand, trying to think of what to build. Having naturally-provided materials is a great resource for children to expand their play.