When you think of small invitations of play in early learning what comes to your mind?
Setting up small invitations of play around book week may seem like a minor detail, but in early learning, it can make a world of difference. By creating these playful and inviting spaces, children are drawn to engage with books and literature in a fun and interactive way. It helps to foster a love for reading from an early age, sparking their curiosity and imagination. Plus, let's be real – what kid doesn't love a themed play area filled with colorful books and activities? It not only encourages literacy development but also promotes creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. So next time you're setting up for book week, remember that these small invitations of play can have a big impact on shaping young minds and setting them up for a lifelong love of learning.
When I think of small invitations of play in early learning, my mind immediately jumps to the image of a cleverly designed classroom filled with colorful, interactive materials that beckon children to explore and engage. These invitations could be anything from a sensory table filled with sand and shells or a cozy reading nook stocked with enticing books and cushions. They are like little nuggets of excitement scattered throughout the learning environment, just waiting for curious young minds to discover them and ignite their imaginations. In a world where technology often dominates our attention, these small invitations remind us of the simple joy and wonder that can come from hands-on exploration and creative play. It's like setting the stage for a great adventure – all it takes is one small invitation to spark endless possibilities!
When talking with a fellow educator around set ups, I always get excited.
I reconnected with a past colleuge, Taylah, and we began to talk about setting up the environment. I shared with her that I often refer back to her enthusiasm and how meaningful her invitations to play were.
"I loved your setups. The engagement from the children and how you are reaching them through these small invitations of play wow..." I shared with Taylah.
Taylah, an educator working in Toronto NSW Australia for Imagine, replied, "I love setting up experiences that are inviting, fun and engaging. What’s the point of setting up something that’s not going to challenge or even engage the children to express who they are!"
Taylah shared some of her setups and what continued to jump out at me was how she crossed curricululms. Embedded throughout where printed text, loose parts and a beautiful artistic way she would make the spaces attractive.
I shared with Taylah that looking through her photos, it inspired something within me, and it also made me wish I could turn the clock back, and actually sit in these spaces to play. And when an adult is drawn to these spaces, you know you have done something magical.
Invitations to play are like the VIP passes of the learning world, offering a golden opportunity for children to explore, discover, and engage in meaningful ways. By setting up engaging and thoughtfully crafted invitations to play, educators become the ultimate role models in igniting curiosity and sparking creativity in their students.
These invitations serve as a gateway to enhancing various aspects of learning such as problem-solving skills, social interactions, language development, and fine motor skills. With a sprinkle of educator involvement, these invitations can transform into magical experiences where children not only learn but also have a blast doing so.
Invitations to play can unlock new talents, abilities, skills or knowledge sets within young children. They can teach children how to be caring and respectful active citizens of our world, as they explore different cultures and traditions.
But it can always promote exploration and allow children to become active and invovled learnings as they learn about their local area and the creatures they share the land with.
So bring on those invitations to play and watch as little minds light up with excitement and enthusiasm for learning!
Thank you Taylah for not only sharing with me but for continuing to inspire and impact young children's learning. Our future is in good hands!
Janine