Interesting Quote About Our Involvement In Play

[daycarediva]

"Attention does not equal involvement. Giving attention to our children does not mean micro-managing their play or their peer choices. We can be present and mindful without getting involved." - Emily Plank

I know a lot of adults who struggle with this. They feel they are not doing their job if they are not involved in child's play. The adult needs to step back (which does not mean ignoring), be present and mindful and be aware of the learning going on AROUND them....not because of them. -ooey gooey lady (Lisa Murphy)


How involved are YOU during free play?

[Luna]

I stay as far away from them as I can while still being able to hear and see them. If I'm right next to them they try to drag me into their play.

[Leanna]

"Attention does not equal involvement. Giving attention to our children does not mean micro-managing their play or their peer choices. We can be present and mindful without getting involved." - Emily Plank

I know a lot of adults who struggle with this. They feel they are not doing their job if they are not involved in child's play. The adult needs to step back (which does not mean ignoring), be present and mindful and be aware of the learning going on AROUND them....not because of them. -ooey gooey lady (Lisa Murphy)


How involved are YOU during free play?

AMEN TO THAT!!!

If invited by the children, I will join free play. "Leanna, you be the big sister!" or "Leanna, drive the blue car." However, I see my role during free play as an observer, material manager, mediator, planner, documentation-maker, photographer, and helper-as-needed.

[CedarCreek]

Depends on what they are playing. Mostly, I stay out. But if we are playing board games or kick ball, I'm in. I'm also in when they decide to "cook" for me.

[Blackcat31]

"Attention does not equal involvement. Giving attention to our children does not mean micro-managing their play or their peer choices. We can be present and mindful without getting involved." - Emily Plank

I know a lot of adults who struggle with this. They feel they are not doing their job if they are not involved in child's play. The adult needs to step back (which does not mean ignoring), be present and mindful and be aware of the learning going on AROUND them....not because of them. -ooey gooey lady (Lisa Murphy)


How involved are YOU during free play?

I am the first one.

I do NOT get involved and I don't play with them.

I am available for assistance if they need it but otherwise, the only thing I do while they are playing is supervise and document. (...and I document EVERYTHING!)

I then use my documentation to provide the developmentally appropriate environment necessary for them to learn.

I do read to the kids daily but that is the only activity (other than diapers/meals) that I am really needed for.

[Evansmom]

I like to call myself a Facilitator rather than Teacher. I feel it describes what I do so much better. I provide a safe (physically AND emotionally!) environment and really cool materials. Of course I offer guidance if asked. Otherwise I stay out of the way but in earshot. I listen but only interject when necessary (during altercations they are not working out after giving them time to try it themselves). And I do quite a bit of modeling with regards to speech and actions.

I like those quotes! Thanks for sharing!

[blandino]

I do not play with the children. Today they played with plastic links they can hook together. I sat next to the table and watched and was there for slight assistance (but I don't help too much - and remind them that THEY need to make things not me). For free play, I observe.

I do facilitante activities on a schedule, music/circle time/ story time/ art/ activities. But with the exception of circle and story time. They are given the activities and materials, and I observe.

[daycare]

for me it depends on the age. I play with the younger ones who need to be shown how to cooperate, share and explore. I don't do everything with them, but I teach them how to play. Once they hit about 2.5, then I stand back and watch. Even then I am still sometimes having to show them still how to play together with their friends.

Kids any older, I don't entertain. I set up the room for them to decide what they will play with, whom they will play with and how.

I stand by to make sure they can remember how to play with their friends by using their words, nice hands and sharing. Most of the time I let them work it out on their own.

But I wish more people understood this. I have one parent that thinks I should lead and entertain at every second of the day.........

Um never going to happen

[Blackcat31]

“The environment itself will teach the child, if every error he makes is manifest to him, without the intervention of a parent of teacher, who should remain a quiet observer of all that happens.”

"Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

“When dealing with children there is greater need for observing than of probing”

“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.”

“Free choice is one of the highest of all the mental processes.”

“He who is served is limited in his independence.”

“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”



Those are all quotes that are found throughout my program, handbook and website. They are ALL from Maria Montessori

She believes that observation of the child is the best teacher for us and through those observations we create an environment in which the child learns and thus reaches his/her full potential.

[originalkat]

Love these quotes!

I do not play with the kids for the most part. I am there for assistance, but their play goes much deeper when I stay out of it and allow them to work together, figure things out, play the way they want to, and work out their own conflicts.
I have found over the years that if I get involved in their play I do micromanage it. I just cant help myself. So for their sake...I stay out of the way and let them be kids.

I do have circle time in the morning with some theme related activities but after that the kids are off to work and play on their own.

[MCC]

I rarely play with the kids. I will occasionally be the cashier or the shopper if they are playing "store", but other than that, I encourage them to play with each other.

During "free time" which is for about an hour in the AM and an hour in the PM I won't even help them put on dress up clothes or figure out a toy. I just say "It's free time, go find a different toy" I think it's important for them to learn how to play by themselves, and problem solve on their own.

I will call out good behaviors, and do redirection, but that's about it.

[daycarediva]

I am re-reading an awesome book about the importance of free play and could quote from it all day: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Play-...=Denita+Dinger

I just LOVE this book. Their second book comes out in March and I have already preordered it.

[Blackcat31]

I am re-reading an awesome book about the importance of free play and could quote from it all day: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Play-...=Denita+Dinger

I just LOVE this book. Their second book comes out in March and I have already preordered it.

He has a blog you can follow. lovethis

http://www.jeffajohnson.com/

[JoseyJo]

"Attention does not equal involvement. Giving attention to our children does not mean micro-managing their play or their peer choices. We can be present and mindful without getting involved." - Emily Plank

I know a lot of adults who struggle with this. They feel they are not doing their job if they are not involved in child's play. The adult needs to step back (which does not mean ignoring), be present and mindful and be aware of the learning going on AROUND them....not because of them. -ooey gooey lady (Lisa Murphy)


How involved are YOU during free play?

You are a FB fan of Play Counts huh? I saw this on her page today

[daycarediva]

He has a blog you can follow. lovethis

http://www.jeffajohnson.com/

Already read that religiously

You are a FB fan of Play Counts huh? I saw this on her page today

and ooey gooey, if you aren't already subscribed, do so!