There used to be an ad (Milo, I think) that said something like, “A child playing is a child at work.” And true enough; Maria Montessori says that play is the work of a child. Play is how kids learn to deal with the world around them, how they practice skills—from motor to social to problem solving. Sadly, studies have shown that kids these days spend less time at free play, and instead spend more time in school, doing structured activities, and—this is astounding—shopping with their parents!
That’s why I try to get my kids to play more. I want to get them off their zoned-out tushies and out doing activities that use more than swiping finger muscles. I like open-ended play, and the toys that encourage them. I like blocks, wooden toys, puzzles, Science kits, art and craft materials (I’m obviously not a fan of electronic gadgets for kids). I love toys and games that encourage learning without the kids even knowing it. It’s sometimes hard to find good quality toys and materials , that’s why I love the Melissa & Doug toys and art kits, Discovery Kids Science kits, and Haba toys (although loving them doesn’t mean I buy them—it usually means I drool over them).
It was a pleasant surprise to be invited to join a workshop on play and child development. Organized by Manila Workshops and IGMI (the company that brought in Melissa & Doug, Haba, Crayola, Baby Einstein, etc.), the workshop, called Ogalala System in Play, “has been developed to help identify important milestones and tools that will help support your child’s development, while at the same time helping you bond with your child.”
This series of workshops are directed at parents and primary caregivers of children from 0 to 6 years of age, and are ongoing around the metro. Admission is free; you only have to sign up for it. There are limited slots, so you’ll have to sign up quickly.
Ogalala Systems in Play schedule and other important details
I’m looking forward to attending the workshop with Breeze, and hopefully we can find that particular style of play and learning that works well with her.
These aren't my kids, but they're playing with toys I'd like for my kids.
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