Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold. — Joseph Chilton Pearce
With only a few more days of school left, I’ve been looking for some fun, relaxing writing ideas.
My latest brain wave is called “Play ‘n Write”. It’s so simple that it makes me wonder why I never thought of it before.
We’ve been starting off our mornings with playtime. The kids are allowed to choose any activity they wish (painting, crafts, play-doh, puzzles, building, computer, etc.)
This centre time is very open-ended. I don’t assign stations or limit the number of people at an activity. My thinking is they can figure it out for themselves.
After playing for about 30 minutes the kids and I gathered on the carpet and talked about what they did. I put some words on the board for them and gave them their journals. Everyone wrote about what they did during centres.
It was fabulous! All the kids were engaged, everyone had something to say, and most of them wrote more than they usually do.
I’m definitely doing this next year — and I won’t be waiting until the end of the year either.
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I want to know about Tony with the rotten teeth – what was with his \”tong\”sandirubber boots and elf shoes
This is fabulous! I LOVE IT!!!!
It says something about what engages them, huh? Did you ever find a play-based learning book? ❀ TammyForever in First
That's awesome Barbara. Great idea!LoryFunforfirst.blogspot.com
How fun! I love reading kids writing!! So much more to write about when your having fun:)Aloha,CorinnaSurfin' Through Second
What a super idea! I'll definitely try it next year.DeeFirst Impressions
This is a fabulous idea!! 🙂 I'm definitely going to use it, too!!
Such a smart idea. I want to incorporate it next year as well!LaurieChickadee Jubilee
This is a great idea Barbara! SarahSarah's First Grade Snippets
Love the simplicity, but it sounds VERY FUN!! 🙂 I'm sure the kiddos really enjoyed it!Marie
Ha ha … they were just drawing gross pictures of each other and his tongue was different colours 🙂
Thanks for all your comments … I LOVE reading them 🙂