A chance to experiment

February 4th, 2010

Posted by Melitsa in Homemade, language, Memes, play activities, Thought of the week

What was interesting about this activity was that I didn’t show him what to do. I put down a coloured pencil and paper. Then I put him inside the high chair.

Then went off and waited………………. I was close by doing something else but I could see him. Many times I’m happy to let him play by himself but today I wanted to watch him a little. Do you still watch yours a little? We used to watch them a lot when they were newborn babies. They were so cute and snuggly we listened to their snuffles and their little movements. I know that now I’m often redirecting redirecting……………did I say redirecting? and playing with him that the observing part gets lost.

I had a moment where I looked busy but was really watching him.

In that short period of time between observing and snapping that picture here’s what I saw.

investigation
experimenting
tasting
touching
movement
flapping
following his own agenda
independence
fun
concentration
talking to the paper
talking to me
rolling the pencil
examining
looking over the edges ( dropped pencil)

At the end there was one line, a broken pencil and paper on the floor. So much learning and fun had taken place. Not everything in play is visible and obvious. I’m glad I took time to observe him playing. I highly recommend it.

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

Melitsa

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 12:42 am and is filed under Homemade, language, Memes, play activities, Thought of the week. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

http://tiredneedsleep.blogspot.com Nicole

Thank you for this excellent reminder. I’ve been thinking along these lines lately, and am so glad to read the list of what your son “accomplished” in the course of just a few minutes and with only a mark or two on the paper to show. It’s so important to remember that the experience, not the finished product, is what’s important! Thank you!
melitsa

Hi Nicole
It is amazing how much they are learning all the time. Hope you get a chance to try yourself. Thanks for dropping by.

Your lap books look great!
http://www.mylittlepatchofsunshine.com Melanie

You always share such great insights! Thanks

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