Monday, October 10, 2016

My Play Weekend



       I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today. It's always a pleasure to read what everyone writes about their lives.

         “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

      You probably already know, for sure, that a large slice of my life includes my two grand-girls. A part of my heart will always be occupied by them and by my grandson, now in another state and growing up so fast. He's fifteen and about to get his driver's permit! Wow!

      Saturday and Sunday I stayed at my daughter, Sarah & son-in-law, Dave's home with the grand-girls so that the parents could go away for these short two days to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary. They have a new dog, a rescued two year old cattle dog, so we all thought it would be better to stay at their home. He was great, and now I know him better, a nice thing. We did not go anywhere, but spent the days together. We played, they played, I read, they played, I cooked, they played, I did laundry, we played, we read, they entertained. We watched some funny mini-movies that held magic and fairies in a bit of mystery, And then we read more books, and the girls played some more. We didn't have to go anywhere, and usually we do, but it was one of those weekends when there was no expectation except fun.


         My favorite picture: the girls listen to and watch a lot of music videos with their parents and they know many songs. They also love to create their own music and words, and sometimes those words are nonsense, BUT THEY RHYME! And they show how they know that some songs have words and the lines end with "oo, oo, oo" or something like that." Ingrid and Imogene gave me a big show Saturday night. I took a few pics, and it was fun to see. It's their own duet, singing against each other, some kind of argument, then getting together.
If you'd like to know about their mikes: Ingrid is using a pla-dough can, &
Imogene is using a play-food bottle upside down!


           The importance of play has been written about in more than one place recently. Here is one recent one linking the decline of play in pre-schoolers to the rise in sensory issues. Within the article there are links to other similarly-themed articles. Ingrid and Imogene are not perfect. They quarrel when they can't agree about "what" to play. They sometimes spend a lot of time preparing a certain play-pretend agenda, so much that by the time they start in, they tire and it isn't working as expected, so doesn't last very long. Also, the age difference sometimes really does make a difference in the "how", the "what" and "ease of preparation". They are five and seven years old and still learning about choices and decisions and how planning works (or how it doesn't). But I find they're on their way, and we had a great time together. 



        We also baked and ate quite a few delicious chocolate cupcakes!

40 comments:

  1. Linda, your grand-girls are quite the inventive, imaginative little misses! Play is such an important aspect of children's lives and a necessity in classrooms. Unfortunately, it is overlooked in trying to get to the #academics". I try to incorporate thoughts about play when presenting on transforming writing lives via digital tools. We "play" with words and compositions. That is why I love creating the galleries - so adults can play and send their voices off into the world. Thanks for the article.

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    1. You're right about the importance, no matter where it happens, the idea of "playing" opens us up to learning new things, trying new ideas. Thanks, Carol.

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    2. I'm so glad that your grand-girls are involved in the play aspect of life. Reminds me of when I was a little girl and my children were little.

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    3. I certainly had a childhood like that too, Carol, & so did my children. It really is important to find the time for them to just be children.

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  2. There is nothing like play and the joy around it. This reminds me of those days with my kids and their play. Sadly, we feel we can only do this with little children. Hmm. How much happier we'd be if we could have these moments too!

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    1. I found that when I was with my older students many times "outside", if they had no agenda to accomplish, they were still playing, creating games, etc. It was always fun to see. I agree. Maybe those older, teens and adults, need to look into it more! Thanks, Julieanne!

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  3. Your grandkids are awesome. From your posts and photos I have learned about their imagination, curiosity, creativity and energy. Hurray for play!

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    1. Thanks, Terje. They do keep going with new ideas which I think is wonderful too. Allowing that in all kids is something to consider.

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  4. Good old playtime! Your post took me back to my three when they were younger, and we spent time just playing...and delighting in all the fun that comes from inventive, joyful play.

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    1. It can happen if we adults all just let them be. I simply followed along this weekend, Tara. Thanks, happy to bring good memories, too!

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  5. I love hearing about your grand-girl adventures. I want to be a grandma just like you. Love the repetition of reading and playing that threaded itself through your weekend activities. And those cupcakes - Ingrid's expression says it all, worthy of a lick the paper moment!

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    1. Imi helped me make the cupcakes, and they were just right for a snack throughout the two days, with many leftovers to start the week! Thanks, Ramona, you will be that kind of grandma, I'm sure!

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  6. What a perfect weekend! Play - the most important thing for all of us! I love the photos!

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    1. Thanks, Joanne, it was one of those times when everything worked so well, the weather, too.

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  7. Oh my - this is a priceless slice! First, I absolutely love their names!!! Your slice reminded me of playing with my sister. We would spend hours setting up our Barbie scene only to wear ourselves out in the preparation of it!

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    1. Ha! I love hearing about those Barbie set-ups. Now I know you understand what I meant too about that complex preparation! Thanks, Lori, glad I brought back some memories for you!

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  8. What fun you always have with these special girls! I only wish my girls lived closer so we could play more.

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    1. I wish so, too. Now with Carter, it just has to be intense, and we do have the beach and Christmas times, too. I'm glad he was close when he was younger! Thanks, Elsie.

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  9. I love thinking about play. Finland turns me on because of their respect and honor given to play in their schools. Your grand-girls are so lucky to have you!!!! And we are all lucky to have you sharing your play with us,
    Bonnie

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie. I love reading about Finland's philosophy and the way their schools work.

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  10. There is always so much to do, we should take more time to play. It looks like you all had a grand time...and you've reminded me that I need to play more often.

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    1. I took Imi to the Museum of Nature and Science yesterday and I know I had as much fun as she did. Even if the girls can't go, I need to go more often! Thanks, Adrienne!

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  11. I love how much fun you have with those beautiful girls. They always look so happy and busy.

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  12. Having a grandma like you who honors them and helps them play is so valuable to their health and happiness. Thanks for sharing these stories. I never get tired of reading about your grand-girls.

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    1. Thanks, Margaret. I had some wonderful grandmothers that showed me how it could be.

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  13. Loved reading this! I think play arguments are some of the best arguments to have - it's important to find our voice, and who better to learn this from than your sister, in the midst of play? How special to have all this time together. I know the musical shows were so amazing! Future poets, too?

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    1. Yes, they may not think so, but they certainly know rhythm and rhyme! Thanks, Maureen! I know how much you love "play"!

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  14. These two special people and you continue to astound, amaze, and fill my heart!

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  15. It so great when we find a weekend to slow down and connect. It is amazing how they fill the time when they have it. Play - and what they learn from it - is critical to their development. We are focusing on play in the K-2 rooms we are in --it is how they construct understanding. Thank you for sharing and reminding us all!
    Clare and Tammy

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    1. I observed so many good things this weekend, and really didn't add much except to support. Thanks Clare and Tammy.

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  16. Such pure delight in those pictures! Thanks for this glimpse of all the fun you have together! I think you must be a pretty fun grandma! :-)

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer. I try to be one, and as I said earlier, I had some wonderful models when I grew up.

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  17. Oh, I can't wait, Linda! I have a "grand-boy" adventure coming up this weekend! Lots of FUN

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    1. Terrific, Fran. I hope you love every part of it!

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  18. Sounds like a great time was had by all! Good for you!

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  19. I've been studying and thinking more about play in my first grade classroom. You know, I even read about how in play, when kids start to quarrel, we are to observe and stay engaged, but to let that happen a bit. It's how kids learn to set socially acceptable boundaries. I'm having a hard time learning how to allow the play to happen in the classroom, when there is noise for all of the other stuff. Thank you for showing us authentic play in action! I loved seeing the pictures.

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    1. I guess the "play" in the classroom has to have parameters of time, maybe when there is a block of time for different activities: some choose to build, some do art, etc. It's more managed inside, but they are interacting with each other and making choices about how that goes. Good luck, Kendra, & thank you!

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