Stomping in the Mud

Monday, 28 October 2013

The Stick - Natures Perfect Toy!

We are so lucky to have a forest in our back yard full of wonderful sticks. When children pick up sticks they are engaging in play that fosters learning about themselves and the world they live in. It amazes me how quickly the children find a stick that attracts them enough to pick it up, and very often carry it for most of the walk. These children have a NEED to hold and explore with a stick. Sticks are simply the perfect natural toy!

Co-operation and Planning

It took this group of children a couple of minutes to figure out how to carry this curvy stick. They worked at it and in the end carried it all the way back to Stomping!

These boys talked about planting this stick and growing a tree...they had a plan!

Making Marks

Supporting and Propping

Making Music

A stick extends a child's arm so they can explore their world from another perspective.

To be able to give these children the opportunity and freedom to enjoy playing with sticks is so rewarding not only for me, but mostly for the children.

Thanks for Stomping by!

Friday, 27 September 2013

Water - They Need Water!

Of all the sensory experiences that are available for our little Stompers it's water that seems to engage the children with an intensity that always amazes us. It's more than just 'playing' with water - they are learning about their world and how it works. Water naturally engages children, encourages exploration and imagination. Very often we look at each other and say, "Water - they need water!".