Inviting children to play in preschool

This is not a St. Patrick’s day post but I did use photos from our St. Patrick’s day activity box to start this post off so please read on….

How you set out materials on a table can make a difference in whether children will want to play with those materials or not.

During St. Patrick’s week, we made up several activity boxes for the children to explore. One of the activity boxes included green hearts of three different sizes for the children to explore…

The older children used the hearts to form shamrocks…

The younger children preferred to stack the hearts up or spread them out on the table…

But if you left the shamrocks out on the table like this, no one played with them at all…

To make an activity more inviting, you need to actually set the activity out where the children can see the materials…

But if you want to make an activity say, “Come and Play with Me!”  Then get rid of the basket and set the materials out so that they look interesting, inviting, and ready for play…

Have you heard of the term, “Interest Centers?” The “interesting” part is the part that invites participation, curiosity, and ultimately promotes play!

Now tell me if these activities look interesting or inviting? Do they say to a child – “Come and play with me?”

 

 

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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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