What is free play anyways? It's more simple than you probably think.
Free play can best be described as unstructured play, child-led play, or self-play. Have you ever used the phrase “just go play!”? Maybe your child has wandered off to another room and you catch them peacefully playing by themselves in the corner with an activity they came up with all on their own. It's that simple and it's so rewarding.
Free play basics: there is no direction given, no rules to follow (barring life/death/serious injury safety), no objective, no right or wrong way of doing things. There is imagination involved and critical thinking! Children are free to make mistakes and it doesn’t matter. They feel a deep sense of control and free will. Which let’s be honest, how much of their days are spent being told what to do, what not to do, where to go, when to go, what to eat, how to eat, etc.? This time spent during free play is crucial for their physical, social and emotional development. Even further, their social skills will advance, their creativity and imagination will flourish, and their problem-solving abilities will improve.
Let’s take craft time during a Roots Wildschool session as another example of unstructured play. There is no “right” way to create. “Right” in this case is a societal perception that we inevitably pass on to our children. I'm going to give you an example of unstructured play turned structured. How do you feel?
Teacher (Emily):
“Today we're going to paint monarch butterflies! Here's an example of what a monarch butterfly looks like if you'd like to reference it as you go. Are you ready to paint? We're going to have so much fun - I can't wait to see how everyone's turns out!" Que kids' excitement and enthusiasm!
Parents (hovering over their children):
"no honey don't do that color first you should start with orange"
"no the black doesn't go on that part you're doing it wrong!"
"ok you've done enough over there, are you ready do put the white dots on the wings?"
"why did you do that? now all of the colors are mixing!"
"ok it looks good let's pick a different color"
"no they don't look like that, don't put lines there"
"does that look like the example Emily gave you? no."
"alright you've done enough I think you're finished"
"come on, please don't add anymore to it let's wrap up we've already moved past it looking like a monarch"
Phew! All of the direction, re-direction, corrections, half-insults, demeaning tone, the constant talking and interfering and commentary. How do you feel? How do you think this child feels? Probably not so good. They most likely aren't proud of their work, feel suffocated, uninspired, and with little to no desire to paint again because they clearly aren't good at it. They messed it all up! It's not a perfect replica of the example so it's unworthy of praise and admiration from Mom. This went from a fun craft full of inspiration and creativity to an exhausting, miserable time. The parent moves on, maybe even they make a sarcastic comment to a nearby adult about what "great work" their child did. Their child hears this. They internalize this. They no longer see themselves as a creative being but instead will refer to themselves as "not creative" or "not that good at painting". The next painting activity rolls around a few weeks later and they aren't thrilled, maybe they act out and don't even want to participate. I wouldn't either!
Some might find it hard to imagine painting as free play but it is, if you remove yourself from the situation. Ok, ready for example number two? See how this one makes you feel.
Teacher (Emily):
“Today we're going to paint monarch butterflies! Here's an example of what a monarch butterfly looks like if you'd like to reference it as you go. Are you ready to paint? We're going to have so much fun - I can't wait to see how everyone's turns out!" Que kids' excitement and enthusiasm!
Parents:
cue silence and admiration as their child begins painting
"wow honey that looks wonderful!"
"oh I love what you did there!"
"what a cool looking butterfly!"
"you're being so thoughtful with your choices, I love watching you create"
"let me know if you need help with anything, I'm right here if you need me"
"you're done now? ok! it looks absolutely stunning! I can't wait to hang it up when we get home!"
"are you happy with your work? can you tell me more about it?"
A breath of fresh air. This parent was encouraging and uplifting and offered space but also support, if needed. They asked thought-provoking questions and showed immense interest in the art that their child had made - no matter what it looked like. I'm sure this child feels incredibly empowered after this craft and with a major feeling of accomplishment and confidence in their creative abilities. This child is proud of their work and will most likely run to other members of the household when they get home to show off their project! The next time a craft involving paint is brought out they are excited to make and create!
The first example might seem harsh and overboard and dramatized but, it's not. The behavior seen above with crafts can also be observed in every aspect of day-to-day life with kids. Parents, usually without thinking, leave little to no room for free, unstructured play where a child can just be. Whoever they are in the moment, without fear of correction and direction. Without fear of comparison and being rushed and making mistakes.
So, the next time you're on a walk with your child, or at the playground, or a playdate, or exploring a new open space, or at the beach, or even just in your backyard or living room - don't interrupt. If they want to stop for a (whole!) minute and stare at a spider on the ground, let them! If they're trying out a new piece of equipment on the playground, let them. If they want to race a stick down a stream over and over and over again, let them. Maybe they want to sit in the sand for an hour and never get in the water, let them. They've invented a new game that sounds absolutely bizarre and like it definitely don't work, go with it! Today they want to collect rocks instead of play with friends, let them. Finally climb that tree they've been eyeing up? Let them.
Free play is so much more than uninterrupted time. Capabilities and confidence will flourish from this gift you've given them to explore the world as they see fit. They will be free to make, to create, to explore, to ask questions, to rest, to ponder, to learn and grow and build upon skills that will last them a lifetime! What a precious and invaluable gift that is and what a honor it is to be able to give it to them.
I hope this post has been helpful and thought provoking! Thank you for being here with me and spending time on our blog. I'll see you next week as we dive deep into a very fitting subject - RISKY PLAY! What is it? How do we manage it safely? How do we offer support without fear? How to we continue to foster independence and confidence in even the smallest of children while letting them take big (and little) risks? See you soon!
Emily
Comentários