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Children’s imagination has a tremendous meaning to it. They use their social skills to imitate others around them. I am amazed when observing them in the playroom. They use their creativity as a tool to role-play real-life situations, express their emotions and thoughts. Every week we have different themes in the community playgroups such as grocery store, transportation, flower shop, ice cream shop, etc.
I think it is absolutely amazing how each child has their own way of playing; especially when they are not only sharing their toys, but also playing their own imaginary role. This week is the ice-cream shop theme in the playgroup, so we set up the ice cream kit. It was incredible to see them use visors, aprons, scoops, whipping cream and ice cream cones to serve the ice cream to the ones that were buying it. Children want to have others to play with regardless the age of the child or adult. Children are developing their social skills and ability to play with others while using their imagination and being creative. What we need is to let them learn for themselves, let them learn how to get on together and open our eyes to the magnificent world seen through the imagination of children.
Kamala Azizova, Early Years Playgroup Leader
For more ideas on Dramatic Play activities, visit Kiddley.
Since I began working at Childreach, I have had the privilege of observing child development in many ways. Here is an example of the role of encouragement and reward.
One day I put the new fire truck wooden peg puzzle on the table, and some kids were interested in putting the pieces together. There was one puzzle more challenging than the other puzzles. The first child asked a couple of questions to get his mom’s attention. Although his mom answered his questions, it seemed as if he wasn’t satisfied. So he was frustrated with the challenge of putting the pieces together and didn’t continue to finish it. Later on, there was another child who came up and was interested in putting those pieces together. He started and put some pieces together, but he was also faced with difficulties, so he asked for help. This time his mom answered him with encouragement such as “That is a very interesting question. Let’s see where you can put it.” Later on his mom asked, “Do you think it’s better to complete the puzzle by using a certain pattern, number, or color?” – “I want to do it by numbers.” answered the three-year old son. – “That is a great idea. Let’s try.” He completed inserting the pieces by receiving attention, questions, and prizes.
Children need encouragement and reward throughout learning in order to gain confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment which helps them to be independent thinkers.
Kamala Azizova, Early Years Playgroup Leader
Now that our kids have reached their own child-rearing years, I look back on the hectic, sometimes ‘zoo-like’ preschool years and wonder how I survived having four children in five years. My memories (although somewhat fuzzy from lack of sleep) are mostly happy ones.
Is there a secret or special formula to guide us through these years? Our world is full of experts ready and willing to share their recipes for success. How do we weed through all this ‘expert’ advice to know what is best for our children? When you consider this, you will realize that the most informed, concerned persons willing to give endlessly of their time and energy for your child are you – the child’s parents!
If we give our young ones time, attention and unconditional love, we will benefit. We need to learn to accept and enjoy each stage of a child’s development without looking constantly ahead or even backwards at how you would have done things differently (if you’d only known what you know now!).
Look for opportunities to do things with your young ones. Let your children help you to rediscover our fascinating world through a child’s eyes.
Let’s relax in our efforts to be ‘perfect’ parents and just be parents! Our children grow up so quickly, and there will never be another now!
Anne McKay, Manager of Programs
