Cookie Monsters!

I found the most fantastic new resource to add to my kitchen center:  A felt cookie cutout activity.  There are so many different applications for this resource:  We've talked about shapes, pattern, color, matching and baking.  The children have also enjoyed the imaginary play that comes from 'cutting' out the cookie shapes, scooping them on the cookie sheet, pretending to bake them and then decorate them.

Now when they ask to bake cookies, I have to clarify: the real kind, or the play kind?  How fun!

Guided Play

There are several different types of play that are essential to the healthy growth and development of child. Free play, social play, quiet individual play, and guided play (note - this list is not exhaustive).

Guided play, in my opinion, is where you, the caregiver, interact with a child using materials or toys of their interest, and allow them to dictate the structure and scope of their play. One of my favorite ways to do this type of play is using something constructive like a block, which gives endless opportunities for spontaneous creativity.

So today for guided play we pulled out the megablocks, and the children worked with me (instructed my play - which is a sign guided play is working) on this tree house.

The most important thing to remember about guided play is: be present, be involved, but let the children guide the play.