Through free play that arises out of the child’s own observation of life, we find structures like boats created during the course of outside play. Whether a child takes the lead or follows what others are doing, our early childhood settings enable play without adult interference or guidance. And why do our educators not ask questions or try to ‘help’ by extending the play with the suggestion to build a bridge over the river or catch some fish? To answer this question, we ask you to consider the following scenario. Imagine you are composing a tune or writing a book or painting a picture. Consider how you might feel if someone interrupts saying “aren’t you smart, what is going to happen next?, why don’t you use this colour?”
Here at Orana Early Childhood we believe that uninterrupted play allows a space for freedom within the bounds of safety and sociability and offers real choice for our children. The boat is not special because we thought the children were clever. The boat is special because the children had their privacy respected as they freely expressed themselves. Having worked hard creating the boat and the experience around it, the children emerged from play with a feeling of deep satisfaction, ready to continue to the next activity of the day.
There is nowhere else we would rather be.
Early Childhood Team.
