Please take the time to read this article

I have very strong opinions on the importance of play, if you haven't figured that out already.  This article was found by a fellow blogger and friend, and it is just a gem.

It discusses how children today are "game players" rather than "game designers."  They can play with what is given to them, but struggle with creating something novel, thinking "outside the box" and making something out of nothing.  You can't blame this struggle on them.  After all, you have to search high and low to find toys that don't move on their own or have buttons that make them have sounds.  My favorite example of this is the dinosaur that walks and roars on his own.  What fun is playing with a dinosaur when you can't crash it into things and invent the cacophonous sounds yourself??  I think back to when my son wanted the Little Einsteins rocket for his figures.  I even had it in the cart when I thought, "If he wants a rocket, he should make one.  I made quite a few tissue box vehicles in my day.  He can do it, too."  But, it's so hard, as parents, to not give into the call of consumerism and bright, blinking, loud manufactured toys that tell us how smart they will make our children.

The article also touches on the importance of child-led unstructured play which is the cornerstone of the therapy I practice called DIR/Floortime.  Children need to lead the play and structure it for themselves to truly explore and learn from their environment.  They need play partners that say, "Yes!" not "Let's try it this way" or "Rabbits can't fly."

Perhaps my favorite section of the article is when the author discusses the heavy focus in schools on behavior and classroom management.  She says,

"...I fully appreciate the fine balance between learning and discipline that is required in any classroom. Yet I grow concerned when the daily folder my child brings home focuses on rewarding the following behaviors: walk quietly, keep hands to self, raise hand before speaking, and sit still in chair. Instead, I’d like to see a second folder promoting things like: had an original idea, created a new game on the playground, made up a story, solved a problem for a friend, or invented something uncommon from a common object."

Alas, more reasons why I have chosen to work privately instead of in a classroom.

So, please take the time to read this article and pass it along to your friends, family and your child's teachers and therapists.  It's a good one.   (Warning though... she does knock moon sand which I totally love.  It's okay, though.  Moon sand is great for indoor play in the winter or on rainy days.  You and I know that the sand box is always best when weather permits. ;) )

Here's the link:

The Power of Empathy

Empathy is a pretty powerful thing and is essential for us to function responsibly in today's society.   Empathy is directly related to "theory of mind" which is the capacity to take on another person's perspective.  Without this theory of mind, we could never truly be empathic to another's plight.  Children don't have theory of mind until about 4 years of age, so we can't expect them to understand or relate to another child's or person's feelings until then.  Yet, we can definitely be empathic to our own children's experiences and feelings and also model empathy for them.  In fact, the ability of children to embody different characters in play is one of the first steps in developing theory of mind and empathy.

Just as I am pondering this concept and getting ready to give a presentation on empathy to some fellow teachers at UIC in January, I come across this article in the Chicago Tribune.  It discusses how today's teens are generally more tolerant of others, but less empathic.  Take a read and let me know your thoughts.  If this is true, we have some work to do as teachers and parents.

Most tolerant, but desensitized? Today's teens present a thorny contradiction.

Some books about play...

I know it's hard to find time to read. When I do have the time, I often prefer to find something mindless or at least fiction to take my mind off the chaos of the day. However, I think that it's important to make sure we are continually learning and challenging ourselves, too. So, when you're up for it, here are a few suggestions to learn more about the importance of play and how it promotes literacy and creativity.

This first one was a big inspiration for my family's dedication to turning off our television for a whole year. We turned it off in March and are still going strong!



This was suggested by Carol Westby at her conference.



Here is one specific to how children learn through play.



This book offers 50 symbolic play themes to help get fantasy play started. A great choice for playdates and for those children who need help getting their ideas started. This is also a wonderful way to promote new vocabulary!



300 dramatic play activities!



If you try one or more of them out, let me know what you think!