"Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself kind of character that our future needs."
James L. Hymes, Jr.
In the play room, children will join in a 2 hour, open ended, unstructured creative play session with Miss Tania and up to 12 other children.Ā Upon arrival, the Play Room will be organised in a way to include creative play, movement play, artistic play, ball play, sensory play, musical play, loose parts play, pretend play, messy play and any other play these little brains can come up with.Ā This allows children to completely follow their own ideas and interests and develop their own curious processes, exploring ideas collaboratively or alone.Ā
With a studio overflowing with props, children can request equipment in order to develop and expand upon their play ideas.
For any messy ideas, we have kinetic sand, playdough, water beads, oobleck, rainbow rice, paints, paper, and glue.
It's probably not a good idea to wear your Sunday best clothes to The Play Room š. Just in case things get super messy, you might bring a change of clothes with you at pick up time.
Unlike like structured play, where there is typically a defined outcome led by an adult, the focus on these play sessions is to truly allow children to play creatively using open ended play materials that provide endless possibilitiesā¦.the true definition of unstructured play.
Miss Taniaās role in these sessions is one of absolute respect for the childrenās ideas and capabilities.Ā Her aim in these sessions is to follow their lead and learn alongside them, being called upon as a guide and a resource only when required.Ā This doesnāt mean that the children will be able to do as they please, but rather Miss Tania will nurture awareness and problem solving throughout the session with phrases like using āI wonder what would happen ifā¦?ā or āWhatās your plan ifā¦.?āor āHow will you..?'.
Some of the benefits of unstructured play include:
* gives children a sense of freedom and control of their own ideas
* values process over performance
* no right or wrong way to play
* no rules or guidelines
* enhances imagination and creativity
* fosters cognitive, social and emotional development
Just like our Kindermusik classes, these play sessions aim to strengthen relationships, build community and make learning playful and fun ā ALWAYS!