"Shall I not have intelligence with the earth?
Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself."
~Henry David Thoreau
As a child I loved playing in making forts out of cardboard boxes. There were endless things to do in my backyard….bug hunts, making mud pies, dieing doll clothes with wild berries, the toys I owned were quite simple and all hand-me-downs, but I loved them.
Now a days seems like you need a mechanic and tech support to put together kids toys.
Seems like the in thing is “Go Green” and all it really means is to do what My parents did. Save money and let kids be kids.
A really cool name for retro play I suppose….
Most of us early childhood educators caught on to this long ago.
I’m glad good common sense is back in fashion.
I suppose if you hold on log enough…you’ll be so out, you’re in.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThat is so true fellow educator! Isn't it funny how many times we see the pendulum swing in education!
It is isn't it....I like it.
ReplyDeleteI think the best stuff kids love is always the most cost efficient.
Sign of the times, VKT, sign of the times.....
Hey Barb, Love the idea about going retro with your kids. Wow. I feel like just taking them to the park and playing is so much more valuable than some fancy internet gadget. I played Uno with 3 kids yesterday at a birthday party and it was so fun. Just to give of yourself, your time and your love and we get so much more back than we can ever realize.
ReplyDeleteLoving and caring take effort and I think retro play, carboard boxes, and cornstarch play-do (mix cornstarch, water and food color for some fun ooey gooey stuff...) are great ideas.
Hugs
That reminds me Juju,
ReplyDeleteA dad told he had bought his daughter the latest pricey doll. He wrapped it up beautifully in a great big box with a bow for her 2 year-old-birthday.
He said she was positively thrilled....with the box!
And he and his daughter spent the next few hours playing in it and having a marvelous time.
He is still hoping she'll like the doll....eventually.