Last Sunday our family sat outside, enjoying the late
afternoon sun. After dinner, the children moved off the patio and began to
play.
Since they had just watched the musical
"Cinderella," their play turned that direction. The oldest girl
wanted to be the Cinderella.
She muddied her face, messed up her hair, and
began to sing her dialog. The middle girl took the role of the prince and came to
carry Cinderella away to happiness. The littlest one was a dog. She kept asking
questions in the middle of the play, and the older kids kept telling her that
dogs don't talk. The play went on and the girls created and changed the story singing
all the way.
They took time out to adorn themselves for the parts. The
dirty face and messed up hair inspired the prince to get a little muddy and put on some lipstick (go
figure).
(They had to pretend the costumes. Fancy ball gowns are long gone from our house.)The dog went into the woods, searching for the glass slipper, and got
scratched by something.
The play turned into quite a production. Everyone in the
family had a great time. The adults enjoyed watching as the kids sang their
little hearts out.
What do children learn from this kind of creative play?
1.
How to become goal directed.
2.
How to communicate with each other.
3.
How to compromise.
4.
How to abide by the rules they make up.
5.
How to solve problems
6.
How to think outside the box.
These are great attributes we, as adults, strive to attain. Characteristics
stated above can be found in president of corporations, heads of state, and
scientific innovators.
Academic assignments, organized activities, schooling
talents, and electronics all have a place in children's lives, but give kids enough time to play, to create, and to enjoy the freedom meant for
the young of any species as they learn how to make their way in the world.
Well said, Christy! Many children today don't get nearly enough time for creative play. They are too busy being shuffled between various adult directed activities. Even recess is quickly evaporating in the name of trying to raise test scores. Studies are now showing what a big mistake that is. Thanks for sharing your fun experience. Grandkids are the best!
ReplyDeleteGrandkids are the best. Thanks for all your support. I do appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteKeep encouraging. Kids are soooooo creative and desperately need those outlets. It also gives us a picture into their well being. As parents and grands (or in my case aunt and great aunt) it's imperative we know where they are in the moment.
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