In this world of fast paced television shows, cell phones in every ear and computers for even the youngest child, it refreshing to see children delight in small pleasures. Today's "show & Share" items were glow-in-the-dark bracelets and an African Elephant figurine. I brought in a fox tail for them to feel. They were thrilled with all three and I was reminded that so much is still new to their eyes.
To prepare the children for next week, we have been talking about what animals we might find on a farm. Today I taught them the sing "I Went to the Farm One Day" and put animal finger puppets on my fingers. Again their eyes lit up and with loud, outside voices made each animal sound as I named them in the song. I thought the fish would trick them but they responded with puckered kisses, blubs and "Let's go swimming!".
After fruit break and Music the children returned to find blankets on two of the tables. We read one of the "Miss Moo Moo" stories about art and color mixing. Miss Moo Moo is a puppet whose head sticks through the book to tell her story which I thought would be exciting. Instead the children were excited about creating new colors from the three primary colors and asked the book to be placed in the art center. I know when I'm licked and pulled out all my farm puppets and released the children to do what they do best - imagine. They took books, cushions and puppets under the covered tables which became a house and barn. It was refreshing to watch them turn the everyday items into new, exciting place spaces.
Next time the electricity goes off in your house or you need a little quiet, pull out those old blankets and watch your child travel to new worlds. Your technology dependence just might fade a bit.
No comments:
Post a Comment