Reggio Inspired Play- Teachers as Co Learners

Story tables- provoking a continuation of language, characterisation and sequencing of a story.

Identity- an important component to a Reggio Classroom

Today I saw how much 5 year olds love to get dirty, create and discover. We had a class incursion with an outdoor play expert. He bought what looked like antique junk, tree limbs, logs, plastic drums, bowls, rope and material. This inspired over 2 hours of play on our school oval (adjacent to the towering gum trees). With limited areas of nature play, unlike schools like HCCS (Verdun, SA) we do not have access to creeks, or many trees that the students can investigate during play and investigation times. With so many other schools seeing the importance and benefits of play, its becoming more than just a "trendy" thing to do. Its allowing children to embrace their creativity, camaraderie and enthusiasm for collaboration.

I also saw the challenges that exist with such unstructured play. Particularly for those on the spectrum who cannot cope with not knowing what to do. However, with some help and scaffolding, I could see the makings of lots of opportunities to grow.

What I loved the most: the girls got heaps dirtier than the boys ;) They even turned one of the "shops" into a day spa with mud masks ;)