Just Playing

Commonwealth Family Childcare Inc. believes in the difference that Early Educators make in the lives of children. Thank you to all Teachers, Assistants, and especially CFC Family Child Care Educators! 

Just Playing

By Anita Wadley

When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “just playing”For you see, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes.
Who knows? I may be an architect someday. 

When I am getting dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies.Don’t get the idea I’m “just playing”. For you see, I’m learning as I play.I may be a mother or a father someday. 

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or moldingand shaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say “He is just playing”For you see, I’m learning as I play, I’m expressing myself and being creative.I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

 When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience.Please do not laugh and think I’m “just playing”.For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday. 

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choicethings I find, don’t pass it off as “just playing”. For you see, I’m learning as I play.I may be a scientist someday. 

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at school.Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”.  For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and to concentrate.I may be in business someday. 

When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is“just playing”. I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.I may be a chef someday.

 When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, please don’t say I’m “justplaying”. For you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning how my body works.I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

 When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say, “I just played”
Please don’t misunderstand me. For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.

WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES & CPR/FIRST AID RENEWAL AT THE CFC OFFICE

The Importance of Documentation and Efficient Communication           

Attendance is strongly recommended for all FCC Educators, especially those who are caring for children in priority slots: teen parent or DCF families. 

We will be discussing various methods of documentation, keeping informative files on children, communicating   effectively with outside agencies and families, and the importance of covering all bases when caring for children. Templates and EEC required forms will be shared as well as regulation reminders pertaining to child files. The workshops are scheduled for May 6, 14, & 22 from 6:00pm-8:00pm If you are interested in attending please call or email me. THE 6th IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER PLEASE RSVP ASAP!!!! LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL ATTEND THIS TUESDAY BY EMAILING OR CALLING ME ON OR BEFORE MONDAY THE 5^TH.

CPR& First Aid Renewal 5/15

COST: CPR ~ $30.00 ~ 6pm

First Aid ~ $ 20.00 ~ 7pm

If registering for both ~ $40.00

YOU MUST REGISTER ON OR   BEFORE 5/12 .

WHAT’S INSIDE the BAG? Families and caregivers help mobile infants learn to think.

 Cognitive Development: Mobile Infants (8 to 18 months)

Mobile infants are explorers of space and objects. They need safe spaces and materials to explore on their own and to try new things. Mobile infants need toys that stack and nest to encourage them to solve problems. Mobile infants begin to pretend and imitate the activities of others as they play with toys such as dolls and telephones. Mobile infants learn concepts as they play. For example, they learn the opposites of “full” and “empty” by “filling” and “dumping.” By understanding a mobile infant’s development and needs, families and caregivers can better promote their cognitive development.
 As they learn to learn mobile infants engage in play, which is an important ingredient for cognitive development. They experiment, discover, and begin to learn concepts. They apply what they already know to new situations. They develop and create new strategies for problem solving. 

Activity

What you need: A brown paper sack, a small cloth bag or an adult sized tube sock

Before you begin: Gather up several familiar objects; a rattle, a soft toy, a set of plastic keys, blocks, ball, a big spoon, a toy car.

Allow your child to explore the toys and materials.

Now try this!

Begin by letting your child see you place a couple of the familiar objects into the bag.

Shake up the objects as your child watches. Say, “I wonder what’s in my bag?”

Let your child touch the bag. Then let him put his hand down in the bag without peeking and feel the toys. As your child touches the objects, say, “Oh my, let’s see what you’re touching?”

Let him take it out and show it to you. Encourage him with your enthusiasm. “Surprise, there’s your keys!”

Talk about the toys.

Continue to explore the contents of the bag.

Repeat the activity as long as your child is interested.

Try this variation of the activity!

Vary the objects from time to time. Use household and personal objects such as measuring spoons, a whisk, a small mirror or a brush.

Vary the texture and sounds of the objects.

From the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services www.state.ar.us/childcare