Good Afternoon!
Wee Friends is a play-based environment which means that play is at the core of what we do. Children learn through meaningful play experiences. I’ve attached an article at the bottom that explains the five essentials to meaningful play, which in a nutshell, is how we want children’s play experience to be on a daily basis.
1. Children make their own decisions.
At Wee Friends, children are allowed to make their own decisions. At any given time, children can create at the art table or build with trio blocks for two hours. If an art project is being offered, only child who want to participate come to the table; it is a choice.
2. Children are intrinsically motivated.
We play because of a strong sense to understand the world, not because a parent or teacher tells us we have to. It’s that intrinsic motivation that allows children to work on their social skills with their peers to keep their play experience thriving.
3. Children become immersed in the moment.
Thankfully, our loose daily schedule allows for children to focus on what they’re doing. Usually, we go outside around 10:30 but if children are immersed in their play and having a meaningful play experience, we wait a little bit longer so we’re not disrupting their play.
4. Play is spontaneous, not scripted.
Play is unique and specific to each child based on their life experiences. For example, in the housekeeping area, two peers may be playing together using baby dolls because they have infant babies at home. A child’s outside worldly experiences influence their life at school and what they are able to pull from their imagination.
5. Play is enjoyable.
When children are playing, you can see the fun their having just by observing their facial experiences. This fun is linked to an enjoyable, meaningful play experience which they’ll be able to take the memory with them long after their play has ended.
Link to article: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/five-essentials-meaningful-play
Enjoy a few pictures from our Monday!
Breakfast– Whole wheat english muffins with peanut butter and PPC banana.
Lunch– Homemade macaroni and cheese with whole wheat noodles, applesauce, and PPC broccoli/carrots.
PM snack– Whole milk yogurt with PPC pears.
Wee Sprout– PPC broccoli/fresh carrots.
Have a lovely night!
-Mindy
Link to pictures: WF 7/30