When I observe how children play at school, in the classrooms I've worked in, it always amazes
me how they can think of new things that have never been thought of before. How
even through repetitive play, and building with blocks, and playing dress up,
each child knows how to put their own unique spin on their play and learning.
Play is such a big part of learning for young children. It’s
where they try new things, and explore new ideas and create something they didn’t
know they could. Every child has their own favorite place in the classrooms
too, and every class is different. Some years, the block area is the all-time
favorite, some years, it’s the dramatic play area or the art area. In every
case, you can see the seeds of inspiration and imagination dawning in these
young people, who have only been around for 3 to 5 years.
As much as academic learning, with letters and numbers and
writing is important, my heart is in learning through play. Play is full of
problem solving, although you may not think so, it’s supposed to be fun right?
Consider all that the children learn through play, including sharing, conflict
resolution, communication, teamwork, not to mention flexing their creative muscles….and
the list goes on.
When I wrote the book, When I Build with Blocks, I did so
because I felt it was a book that many children could relate to. I wrote it
because I couldn’t find one exactly like it anywhere else, and I wrote it
because the kids just love to build with blocks in the classroom. They inspired
me with their ideas, which I incorporated into the book, and they inspired me
with their enthusiasm, which they showed me after I read it to them – they went
straight to the block area to show me what else they could build. I feel
honored that I was able to spark their minds to continue to create, and that
they enjoy the book that they can see themselves in.
Imagination is a wonderful thing!
