This morning we were still in our pjs when I gave the children the box of shells to see what they would do in a free play situation and to give then a chance to get creative.
First the shells were divided onto two tables and they had a 'shell shop.'
Then Boy decided it was 'shell raining!' They all ended up on the floor!
Then the children ran over then shells to see how it felt on their feet. Then it bacame a game to walk across without standing on the shells.
Then we made a face using the shells.
Girl took a rest on the sofa at this point!
And then we decided to get dressed and get on with the rest of the day. This kind of play need not last very long. Don't worry if it only last a few minutes, it is still worthwhile and young children don't do many things for long periods of time. Be creative and see what you can find for your children to play with.
First the shells were divided onto two tables and they had a 'shell shop.'
Firstly - I love what you do in your own home - I can cope with shells all over the place at preschool but at home it gets me twitching ;)
ReplyDeleteSecondly, so true - children often only engage in experiences for a short period of time, but if you keep giving them the time and freedom to explore materials like this in anyway they choose it promotes play of all kinds.