Just Playing

A lot of parents think that a heavy curriculum is necessary for their toddler or preschooler.  What many people don't understand is that "just playing" is a lot of hard work for kids!  Since this poems explains it better than I ever could, here goes:

Just Playing

When I am building in the block room, please don't say I'm "just playing". For you see, I'm learning as I play, about balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

When I'm getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don't get the idea I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play; I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, please don't let me hear you say, "He is just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair "reading" to an imaginary audience, please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don't pass it off as "just play". For you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some "plaything" at my school, please don't feel the time is wasted in "play". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "just play". I'm learning to follow direction and see differences. I may be a cook someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, please don't say I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I've done at school today, and I say, "I just played", please don't misunderstand me. For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I'm preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play.

~Anita Wadley

Spring Has Sprung!

While it is a rainy week in our area, that hasn't stopped us from enjoying Spring.  This week we have been checking the progress of our veggie garden from inside the dry playroom (it's great that we have a nice big window seat right next to the veggie patch).  The carrots, squash, onions, and cucumbers have all sprouted.  I must admit though, the kids aren't the most excited about all the wonderful, fresh, organic veggies we are growing.  They really just like to dig in the dirt and look for bugs -- especially worms. 

This week we are working on a "Nature and Camping" theme.  We set up an indoor campsite, made paper campfires, had s'mores at snacktime, sang campfire songs at circle time, and put up a starry sky for us to observe at naptime.  It's been really fun!