Your son plays with dolls!

Boys play with dolls - some prefer to play with the dolls over trucks and dinosaurs – and that’s OK! In my opinion it makes boys more nurturing – gentler and compassionate towards others. They seem to have a better empathy for others, and they tend to be less aggressive during play. This does NOT mean they will be more feminine, nor have a different sexual preference when they reach maturity.

I understand that some may have a strong opinion against boys playing with dolls, however I see the developmental aspects of doll play, that transfer into everyday skill building. It’s not just the social / emotional facet of doll play that is a positive influence; it’s the practical life skills that are attained. Think about dressing skills. There is a lot of fine motor development in dressing and undressing dolls. There is a lot of role playing and dramatic play that goes with doll play. This takes a lot of cognitive ability to set the stage for pretending to be a Daddy. Speech and language skills are acquired and honed in. Dolls can be used to assist in expressing feelings. A sense of responsibility can also be reinforced through doll play.  This is just a sampling of the positive facet doll play offers.

Doll play is a realistic way to introduce the world in an empirical manner, to any child who is at a perceptive developmental stage. Young children – especially toddlers are like sponges and want to acquire knowledge of all things – dolls are a part of that. So whether the child playing with the doll is male or female should not be significant.

Leeanne A

Kreative Resources posts are seen here on the 21st of each month!

Sharing

As adults we do our utmost to ensure that children are sharing. Why? Because we want children to learn that within a large group there are times when we must should allow others to participate in using the same equipment in a fair and amiable manner. We simply don't have the funds or the resources to provide individual pieces of equipment for each child. We know that no matter what we provide the children will ultimately want the same item.
So how do we teach children to share?
Well - model this! Show children how to share. Set up situations where sharing is to take place and ensure that you are displaying how sharing is implemented. Your are the example for your child. Along side this - point out genuine sharing moments and praise them when they occur.
Toddlers will have a struggle with this - however it is imperative to be consistent in presenting a positive manner in which to share - while still having the 'right' to individual items. This is difficult especially if the child has their own toy in their possession. Even if the toddler reaches out to allow others to touch their toy - without giving the toy up - that in itself is a form of sharing and should be praised.
I am aware this can be a hot topic especially when the toy actually belongs to the toddler.
Must we 'make' the child share what is their personal possession?
There are many opinions on this. Some say, 'let the child have their own toy and keep others from touching it'. While others say, 'do not allow the child to bring personal toys into a childcare situation, where others may want to touch, or take that toy'. This alleviates any arguments or conflicts. Then there is the opinion that if the toy is brought into a group situation the child must learn to share that item. What ever your opinion the ultimate goal should be to teach the child a positive manner in which to deal with moments when sharing is imminent. Respect in this instance is to be foremost. Patience is a virtue.
When we make sharing fun - as in a game situation, there is more likelihood that sharing will take place. Also allowing your child to bring a special treat to share, could result in a better understanding of how others feel when sharing is done in a positive manner.
Keep in mind that toddlers are tenacious, and do not share in a purposeful manner. Developmentally they are just not there. It's a me, me, me age - it's all about them - hence adult intervention is key.
When your job is done correctly, sharing will take place when you least expect it!

The following two pictures were taken at the same play time and the children (2 to 2 1/2 years of age) independently chose these activities. Sharing took place without adult intervention. Praise was given for the sharing moments. The children (with the exception of one) have known one another for approximately  1 1/2 to 2 years. Sharing is instilled in many forms as described above. It appears as though these children are prepared for sharing.

Sharing one puzzle - taking turns to put the puzzle together.

Sharing a train set - each putting the tracks together as a team and dividing the cars equally!

Simple things are fun!

I grabbed about a dozen dollar store necklaces.

They have been hung on ears...

worn in multiples...

admired...

...and carried in purses - well they were in there at one time.

Caring Friends!

Friendships grow in our classroom!

Sometimes one recognizes when a little comfort and mentoring needs to be put in place -  

and the adults don't have to say a word!

Masks

Masks can bring out the wild in even the shyest of children.

Using masks opens the door for communication.

They transform us.

Masks allow us to be something we are not.

Sometimes we just want to be in a different realm - they help us let loose.

They make us giggle.

Pure entertainment - a chance to be funny and make other people and ourselves laugh.

Perhaps we would like to hide behind our mask.

Hiding in plain sight - why not!

Masks allow us to observe without feeling we are being observed ourselves. 

Even if we don't get them on quite right - we still have fun!

We can transform ourselves quickly without much effort.

Here are some masks to make:

masks.

animal masks

templates - oblong shaped mask

Using masks for ESL:

ESL drama games

Playing with blocks!

I have at least 5 main types of blocks in my classroom at one time. I often add more, and switch them out, with a variety of other types - styles and textures on a regular basis. Combining a selection of blocks together can enhance this play beyond the simple build a tower type of block play. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as tower building is an important component of block building. After all the 'Pink Tower' is one of the principal pieces of equipment in a Montessori classroom. Essentially block play transforms any day into an adventure in learning.
When I watch the children playing with blocks, I see so many crucial developmental skills being evolved. I watch the excitement when the children transform blocks to  into creations, which in their mind represents what they had intended. The social aspect of block play is of great value. I see children that may not have socialize together, suddenly partner up and create a structure, with a resourcefulness that had not been established before.
Providing the tools for exploration in the classroom is a teachers role in ensuring that the children have what they require for steady developmental growth. Blocks may seem like a common and simple object, but there importance is paramount.

Take a look at the articles on these links for "The Importance of Block Play":

A place of our own

Let kids play

Picklebums

Community playthings

Early childhood news

Sixty second parent

So what type of blocks do you have in your classroom?

 Here are some of the Toddler favourites we have:

Plastic 3D Character Blocks / Clipo Peeka Blocks / Waffle Blocks

Wooden blocks in a variety of types

Wooden Lincoln Logs / Foam Blocks

Duplo Blocks a classic favorite! 





 I can't remember the name of these - but we like them :)
*Thanks to one of my followers on FB for reminding me that these are called Bristol Blocks!

The list could go on and on - there are so many to choose from.

Perhaps we can give our gratitude to Frederich Froebel for the introduction of these wonderful "gifts" in his newly formed kindergarten classroom. His altruistic vision of presenting play with a purpose, by creating occupations, lead the way for teachers to use the child's 'environment' as educational aids.

Watch this video which I made for more information on Frederich Froebel:

 Froebel Video

Be sure to add a variety of blocks to your classroom!



Tattle Monster

I try to share my own ideas here on Kreative Resources, but I really wanted to share this idea because it is, in my opinion, a great tool for any social situation where tattling is becoming an issue!
Giggles Galore gave me permission to share this with you.
Tattle monster

Thank you Giggles Galore for allowing us to share this great idea!

Please visit their blog to see other wonderful ideas for your preschooler!

http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com/