“Think back to a memorable play experience between adults and children that you were involved in or observed. What made it special? What do you think some of the characteristics of play might be? Contribute your thoughts to the discussion forum below. Please feel free to comment on or reply to any other contributions.
4.3.1 Idea sharing - Play experiences
Discussion
It has allowed children to focus while still having fun and creating something simultaneously
Some characteristics of play are the development of skills, imagination, thought, planning, teamwork, compassion and learning new things. Play is fun and is a great way to learn.
I remember my daughter having so much fun in her toy kitchen and particularly loved pretending to make cappuccino's with her toy coffee machine. She took so much care in preparing it and took great pleasure in serving up the finished product. She is now 19 and gets to make real coffee with a real coffee machine at her part time job. We often talk about how much she enjoyed pretending to do this when she was little.
I noticed that during these play times it was important to her that we gave her our attention and that we acknowledged and showed appreciation for what she made for us. The conversations that happened during playtime were always fun and so valuable. Above all it was always a fun time!
The way the food colouring spread into the salt/glue drawing was incredibly intriguing for the participants (adults and children) and we ended up doing the activity for much longer than I expected. We spent time talking about colours, and what they were painting which led into further conversation about anything and everything