Before the pandemic, group games were a staple of our practice in school-age care. We played many different games over the years, but one stands out as the all-time favorite. What made this game so appealing? What benefits did this game offer our learning community?
Read MoreAs the children build trust with each other in play this creates stronger bonds within the learning community. The lessons the children learn about people through play carry over into life.
Read MoreOur childhood play stories have a connection to the work we do as educators. In our Rights of the Child Workshop we ask participants to share their play stories. What did we learn about this practice? How does this practice enhance our work as educators?
Read MoreHow did an idea for utilizing recycled materials change into a project that united children together? A project that transformed one type of creativity into another with super outcomes.
Read MorePlay is the main ingredient for creating a lasting connection within the learning community. As children we played, then as adults and educators we became busy and pushed play aside. We lost the joy it produced in our lives. In our work with children we have an opportunity to embrace play again.
Read MoreOur role as educators is to be a mentor, advocate, and guide. One aspect of our role in school age care, is promoting a well-rounded education. We need to offer children the opportunity to go outside and engage in physical activity. It’s okay to play.
Read MoreLately, the children have been playing a game that has been around since I was a child and has stood the test of time. A simple game that brings the children together each afternoon to enjoy each other’s company and play for the joy that it brings to life.
Read MoreWhat are the benefits of free play? How often do children participate in free play versus organized activities?
Read MoreThe learning community grows when one group of children create something that captures the imagination of other children. New ideas bring children together. Children enjoy working together to adapt and create a new version of an original creation.
Read MoreAs an educator, we give time to others. We give selflessly to our schools, community, and children. The demands of serving others often take precedent over developing a rejuvenating self-care practice. Incorporating more play into our lives will support our growth and well-being.
Read MoreWhat materials can be used for bead making that are recyclable, sensitive to the environment, and are not food? In the process of bead making we have other choices. There are many traditional and newer materials that we can use to create beads. I am going to share a few of my favorites.
Read MoreBeing an after school educator and observing children at play for many years, I noticed how the amount and emphasis on play has changed. Science states play and physical activity represent an important part of education and benefits the growing and active brain. What caused test scores and grades to become more important than the rest of life's activities?
Read MoreRecently, I was riding home and I noticed a large group of children playing at the end of the street. The sight of many children out in the middle of the day playing, with no adults around, was wonderful. The children were loud and busy having fun riding their bikes, running around and drawing with sidewalk chalk all over the street.
Read MoreThe common thought about aftercare is the educators play with children and keep the children entertained. The children color, make arts and crafts, compete in board games, play sports and practice homework. All of these activities could materialize, but it depends on the children and the choices each child makes for their work each day.
Read MoreThe importance of free unstructured play is a popular topic right now. There is a call from parents, and professionals to create more opportunities for children to have free unstructured play. Free play was a staple of my childhood. All of the children in my neighborhood were encouraged, not really, told to stay outside and play with friends instead of watching TV.
Read MoreGrowing up I was in elementary school for six hours per day. In school, I would learn different subjects, play group games with my classmates, eat some lunch, and enjoy recess. We had two recess periods during the day. During recess we could play sports, hang out with friends, run in the sun, roll in the grass, get dirty, and climb trees.
Read MoreThe theme of creativity and play cannot be separated demonstrates the importance of integration of arts and science. We should embrace the concepts of scaffolding our own creativity in the classroom to support children’s engagement in creative thinking.
Read MoreHow does the lack of play affect us? As we think about the role of play in adult lives, we often wonder, who has time to play. Research shows that adults are often play deprived. Why is play important for healthy relationships with children?
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