Two More for the Roll

As a current student studying 'Early Childhood Education', one of my strongest beliefs is the fact that young children learn best through play. Think about it. Would you rather write a short story on your own, or use costumes and props to act out your own story within a group?

Children learn when they are actively engaged in an activity, therefore, over the next few years I will be collecting as many new ideas and suggestions for lesson plans that incorporates fun, interaction, and nothing but smiles across my students' faces.

I've added quite a few new blogs to my blog roll, all of which entertain the idea of 'play' being the key for teaching young children. Some of the blogs are more helpful for the classroom, whereas others are going to help me out at home with my own daughter (and future children!) Each of the blogs I've added are centralized around different themes: outdoors, science, arts and crafts, active play, pretend play, and parenting tips.

The first blog I'll be sharing with you struck my interest not only for the interesting activities, but the FREE downloads, worksheets, lesson plans, and so on. As a future teacher, I know that this site will come in very handy. I've checked out a few of the different links and posts, and I just enjoy the fact that it's full coverage for whatever the topic may be. Not only is the subject matter discussed, it is also put into terms for children to understand, as well as including multiple games, activities, worksheets, and so on. I strongly suggest you check it out and perhaps add it to your own blog roll if you're in the education field (or even if you have children of your own at home!)

Itsy Bitsy Learners





The second blog that I'll be sharing with all of you focuses greatly on the importance of play. There are so many great ideas for physical activities, nature focused activities, indoor activities, and ALL OF THEM include some form of play. I decided to read about the 'Picnic in the Dirt Patch' which is directed towards young children (Pre-K - first grade.) It's a very simple idea for a lesson; place a blanket on the ground, invite the students to a 'picnic', bring along different dishes (cupcake pans, boiling pots, juice containers, cups, coffee mugs, etc) and let the children explore their surroundings for 'ingredients'. This gives the children the chance to explore nature and enjoy hands on play with dirt, mud, leaves, straw, mud, water, rocks, etc. Once the children start experimenting with all of their 'picnic foods' the blogger suggests getting the group to talk about their findings, their creations, and so on. It's just a great idea, very simple, very inexpensive, and ends up teaching your children a lot! This is another blog that I hope you decide to check out, particularly if you're in the education field of young children!

Let the Children Play




ENJOY :-)