Do You Think It Is Good-

[childcaremom]

The BIGGEST lesson learned was what I viewed or considered as fair isn't the same as what the kids view and/or consider fair.

Fair does NOT mean equal.

By staying OUT of their play and especially their conflicts, children can learn skills that are necessary for surviving in the "real world".

I agree 100% with this.

I stay out of the way as much as possible. I will step in if needed but otherwise enjoy watching them play, and figure things out, on their own.

[harperluu]

Since we are a talking about free play, what is everyone's response when a child constantly shows you or tells you what they are doing?

When I've had this problem, I redirect with a "thanks for sharing that, now go talk to your friends about it."

[Hunni Bee]

I do not play with them. I am there and available. I do my best to stay in direct line of sight but other than that, free play is just that, free play.

I entertain/interact enough with circle, story, centers and meals. They need down time, too!

This.

I supervise, document cute/insightful things they say, take pictures, intervene when necessary and say funny things. I do like to ask them about what they're playing, but I don't play with them. Their friends are 100 times more interesting than I am.

Plus, we are accredited by so many organizations and have so many special activities going on that there's always something for me to do besides hover over the kiddos.

[Angelsj]

No. I do not play with the kids.

I am available to assist them when and if they should require adult intervention.

I do not believe my role is to facilitate anything. I provide an environment that is supportive of their developmental needs and interests and that is all.

On occasion, I will and have got down on the floor and participated in an activity or project but for the most part I am simply available.

I don't lead, direct or tell them to do anything other than clean up and come to lunch.

The kids entertain themselves, decide what they are going to do and to what extent. I provide materials and the supervision.

Amen! Preach it!

I actually do a few things, if I am invited. I will audience a "talent show" or puppet show. I admire their artwork, once per art piece. We sort of have circle time...we talk about what is on our board, three to five times a day. If I feel like it or they seem to be having trouble figuring out how to operate something (like how to stabilize the marble run by starting with the bases) I might play a little while to give them a start.
95% of the time, when they are playing, they play with each other, or alone if they choose. I feel they learn better when given large blocks of time to actually play, without an adult directing that.

[Angelsj]

My standard reply is usually "Timmy, why don't you discuss this with your friends. I am sure they would love to talk to you about how/why you did (whatever activity etc)."

If they are really bad about it, I will outright tell them to stop and that I don't want to continually discuss what they are doing or how they are doing when I would much rather they play while I supervised verses interacting.

I do the same thing. "Why don't you go show your friends?"

[Kelly]

Since I only have 1 dcb right now it's hard not to get involved with his play sometimes. He's almost 2 and just starting to keep himself occupied better. He still comes to me every so often with a toy or a book. And he's so sweet sometimes I just have to grab him for some hugs! I'm hoping in a couple months to be able to find a couple more kids because I think he needs someone besides me to play with.

[Maria2013]

i dont think its healthy to always be on top of them. its the ages when they learn to play and work with others. and also the age when they learn important life skills.

I do play a lot with them but I also encourage self entertainment

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

Since I only have 1 dcb right now it's hard not to get involved with his play sometimes. He's almost 2 and just starting to keep himself occupied better. He still comes to me every so often with a toy or a book. And he's so sweet sometimes I just have to grab him for some hugs! I'm hoping in a couple months to be able to find a couple more kids because I think he needs someone besides me to play with.

But that is different. One and a little guy, yeah you play. But you also encourage him to play by himself for bits so he learns how to. I sit start them playing with something and then back off. Self entertaining is a big skill to have, then the don't complain of being bored.

[cheerfuldom]

I use to get out of the way and allow them to do their thing. It's different now, and I find myself in the thick of things all the time. I have a child with SPD. I do extensive therapy with him-he is hyposensitive and if left alone, he just wanders aimlessly. I spend tons of the day in the floor teaching him to play-usually hand over hand. Naturally, if I'm in the floor, the others want to get involved with me. Since I only have 3 kids, it isn't too much of an issue. The oldest one will get bored and wander off on her own, but the 2 youngest spend almost all of their time playing with me. (The youngest also has issues and I do a lot of therapy with him too-2 birds with 1 stone.) I know it isn't ideal, but I work with what I have.

God bless you for taking these two little ones and giving so much extra. There was no preschool programs in my area for special needs kids outside of the public school system. We finally got a spot for my 4 year old and the program is great! but hard to get leaving other parents with no options and certainly no options for babies and toddlers, that I am aware of. I am positive that no provider would deal with my special needs girl dishes out....and if they were willing to keep her, I would assume it was out of desperation for income. anyway, your daycare parents are so lucky to have you!!!

[Sunchimes]

Thank you Cheerfuldom. I seem to have found my niche. My therapists have declared that from here on out, I will only be a therapeutic home. I guess it's really hard to find anyone here too. For the first time in many years, I feel like I'm actually doing something useful.

Way back when I was in my early 30's, I made a list of 100 things I wanted to do before I died. One of them was "make a difference in a child's life". It took me a few decades, but I think I can check that one off the list now.

[BrooklynM]

I am so glad to read this post. I was feeling guilty about not playing with them all of time but I used to and it got to the point where they were all getting so needy. Once I let them just play freely, it is so much easier on me and they do SO great! I have also learned to rotate toys more, I used to have everything out and it caused 2 issues-1. The playroom could get into a mess fast because there was simply too much stuff, and 2. They had too many choices and acted more bored. Sometimes less is more.

My laundry room is right across from my playroom so I have full view of the kids and I just fold the laundry on my kitchen table which also has full view of the Playroom. My kitchen also is in full view so I am pretty lucky in those regards.

Free play is the way to be!