On the move! Big body movement has been a big interest for our shale room friends this week. Climbing, rolling, tumbling, rough and tumble play, pushing, and throwing; so many ways to explore how to move our bodies. Something that we experience during big body movement is dizzy play. Dizzy play offers children an experience that can be described as losing and regaining control. They take pleasure in being “on the edge” and experience exhilarating physical release through engaging in this rough and tumble style of interaction. What kind of “dizzy play” do you experience at home with your young toddler? How can you provide opportunities for children to test their own limits in ways that are challenging, yet safe?
To engage in risky, dizzy play, our Shale friends are showing us their independence by trusting their bodies. We have also been developing a sense of independence in our room by practicing life skills. Things like using utensils, holding our cups and bottles on our own, hand washing, cleaning up after ourselves, even starting to get our things together on our own when it’s time to go outside. We are really encouraging our friends to try things on their own. By assisting our young toddlers in developing these self-help skills, it helps them continue their journey as mighty learners!
What is a mighty learner?
http://childcareframework.com/resources/posters/PPP_Mighty_Learners.pdf
Along with the growing independence and interest in movement, we have been enjoying the last few days of summer with lots of outdoor play and walks within our community. We’ve admired the clouds, birds, changing colours of the leaves, and waving to the bus drivers as they pass us by. This has been a welcome addition to our week of adventures and a beautiful way to conclude our week.
See you next week!
Sarah, Michelle, Cassi and Young
