International Mud Day 2014

Wasting time on Facebook...?

Three years ago I started a group on Facebook. I had no idea what I was doing. I had never even been part of a Facebook Group. I invited local preschool teachers that I had connections with and also invited several of my favorite bloggers. Can't hurt to ask right? Before I knew it the group had grown and I was communicating with a couple hundred teachers both locally and worldwide. There were parts of our daily interactions with children that seemed universal, but each program also had its own uniqueness and differences. 

We had many ideas to share and many hot topics to debate. Through social networking I have gained more knowledge and inspiration than through any class or training I have attended.

Last November I was fortunate to be able to attend the NAEYC Conference in DC.  A conference that hosts over 10,000 early childhood teachers. At the conference I met up with several of the group members face to face. It was so refreshing to attend conference sessions together and be able to reflect afterwards.  

I was able to leave the conference for a short trip on the metro to visit another teacher that I had connected with through the group. My short visit with Lesley at Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, made me realize how much I have gained through my connections on social media. Although I had already gained a lot from our interactions online and following her blog, seeing it in action was enlightening and inspiring. I am very thankful for that opportunity.

Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School

Another great discovery through these connections was Fafu. Many of you have seen our bright colored and open ended dress up clothes. I was first introduced to Fafu from following the blogs of both Lesley and also Kierna from Learning for Life.  The moment I saw the photos of children wearing Fafu, I knew that they would fit perfectly in my program. My darling husband surprised me with an order last fall. 

Through Facebook and connecting with "The Fafunians," I am so honored to share that I have been invited to join the 2014 Play Iceland. 

I am very excited for this opportunity to meet both Hulda and Tom in person, as well as the other educators and child advocates who are participating, including Suzanne of Interaction Imagination. 

We will be visiting several different Icelandic Playschools and hosting an event for the local teachers at the end of the trip to share our own experiences.

I have always said that when I "retire" I wanted to travel and visit preschools around the world.  I guess I won't wait. :)

Frog Camp

This week was our first week of "summer camp." During the summer we have shorter week long themes.. If you follow this blog at all, then you know I will remind you of how much learning is still taking place within the children's play.  

Most of the conversation and focus of the week was the Frog Life Cycle and also the difference between Real Frogs and Character Frogs. 

"Froggy's Baby Sister," by Jonathan London : The kids got quite a laugh about a mommy frog with a baby in her belly.

Green Playdough and Googly Eyes. 

Frog Pond Sensory Table

 Painting with Shades of Green and Brown

Nature Walk: Listening for the Frogs

A-Maze-ing Maps.

I introduced an old street map to the dress up area the other day. After noticing how much the kids were studying it I suggested that they spread it out on the table to see it a little better.

I grabbed some markers and circled a landmark at the bottom and also at the top of the map. One interested child then traced along the roads, like a maze, to create a path from start to finish. 

 After the introduction they started circling their own start and finish locations.  I suggested using a different color marker each time to help prevent confusion. 

They experimented with both long and short trips. They also realized the blue lines were rivers and avoided traveling on those.

It wasn't long before they started asking what different lines and colors and symbols meant. 

Of course some friends prefer "the road less traveled." 

Our Nature Playground

When I first decided to create a new outdoor play space for the children I had a million ideas and visions of what it would look like. I knew it would take time. Other teachers told me to wait and see how they use it before I did too much. I spent hours on pinterest window shopping and daydreaming of all the features I wanted. I still look at my pinterest board and add to it regularly. 

There are so many wonderful things happening around the world with the natural playground movement.

About three years have gone by and not much has been added. We brought in some stumps and logs, wood chips, pallets, spools and a fantastic rope that had washed up on a beach. All these free of charge thanks to friends and family. 

Simplicity

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life. -John Burroughs

Rope.

Rocks.

Sticks.

Flora and Fauna.

"Wait and see" was the best advice ever. 

They have spaces. Lots of spaces. 

That's all they need.

Spaces to run.

Spaces to climb.

Spaces to collect.

Spaces to gather.

Spaces to be alone.

"We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist."  Richard Louv

Please check out how other children around the world are getting outside to play at the Outdoor Play Party link up.