May 21st, 2010 What I learned this week I can apply to play Posted by Melitsa in Thought of the week

Do you collect books?

I do.

I go through waves of buying books and using the library a lot.

I’m between books at the moment. This is a favourite time of mine because it means I get to dip into the books currently on the shelf. This works really well for me because I reread most things like it’s new. I’m the same with most movies. Here’s what I dipped into this week.

What I needed to read this week:  “How often have you tried to teach your child something you regarded as easy to learn, yet were baffled by his or her inability to succeed? Was the learning difference so severe it prevented success? Or, although you knew what you wanted to teach, maybe you didn’t know how to do it? For most parents, it’s difficult to know where the truth lies, When I work with children. I always start with the assumption children can learn almost anything if I can just match the appropriate teaching strategies to their interests and abilities. You could also begin with the same assumption. Your child can learn significantly more than you think, or have been led to believe.

Ready to learn

Sometimes you just need reminders: ” There’s something special and precious about boys- every parent of boys and girls notices that their natures are different. Boys tend to wear their feeling on their sleeves- often their passions are strong and they seem to have an urge to protect. They love heroism and action. Boys are loyal, stoic and have a strong sense of justice. They are humorous , optimistic and up front.

More Secrets of Happy Children

Light bulb moments: “Children need models more than they need critics,” said the French philosopher Joubert. Boys will learn to identify and express their thoughts and feelings safely and comfortably if the see you do the same.

Each of these books helped me with our play this week.

What are some of the books your regularly dip into about parenting?

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!

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