eg
last week we harvested lettuce that they planted a few weeks ago in 6 packs
when the lettuce got big enough they planted it in their raised garden beds
they now twice have harvested a leaf of lettuce
yes they know how to pinch off the leaf without pulling up the plant
they take the leaf and double wash it
then
we have set out veggies like tomatoes shredded carrots green beans celery that they place on their lettuce leaf and roll it up like a taco
they call it their lettuce tacos
seconds are encouraged
after the session with me they go back and play in the area shown in the picture
on the days i am there they see me for 5-10 minutes then they play in the play area for 20 minutes
if you ask most of them they will say that that 30 minutes outside in the garden and in the play area is the highlight of the day
in the play area are old tires lots of loose limbs and logs old metal rings off whiskey barrels a long black french drain flexible pipe old black plastic nursery pots old tree stumps lose pieces off the palm trees old buckets pitchers spoons and cups and kitchen utensils and numerous scattered pieces of other throw away things
during the time they are there you see them doing all kinds of creative things with all that junk
i doubt they get to do this anywhere else
it reminds me of how we played when i was growing up
we didnt have all that commercial play stuff
youll see them digging in the dirt or digging in the worm bin
yes they have to wash their hands good at the end of the session
those old stumps standing up in the play area have been used for making chef meals fairy gardens cooking stoves a base for making castles a place to jump off onto the soft dirt sand that covers the area and as stepping stones like you were walking across a creek
all creative things seem to happen
one rule is things you pick up cant be pointed at others or used as a weapon
doing so loses your play privileges
my guess is that they enjoy playing with all this junk more than any toy they have at home
so it was with interest that i read this article from the american academy of pediatrics on what kind of toys you should buy for your kids this christmas
eg
if it makes a noise consider something that will stimulate more creative juices
mr hudson has this old cardboard box taped together with duct tape that has one side that opens
which provides a garage for parking his cars and trucks and tractors etc
he also uses that side as a ramp for his vehicles
you might read that article and think about what you are buying them for christmas and birthdays
will they be playing with them in a few weeks
we need to stimulate creativity encourage independent playing without all the bells and whistles
that i must say can get annoying
right
i have removed many a battery from these toys in years past
yes
let them pretend and be creative with the right christmas gifts
the organicgreen doctor
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