AnjiPlayDate #12: "Parents become learners of their children"

We split the group again today and that was still a good idea.

This was the first time I've seen anyone try to make a ramp with the pop-up tunnels.  Sorry for the blurry photo, but she didn't stick with this idea too long today and I only got this one shot.  I'm curious to see if this idea goes anywhere in future sessions.

 This little guy built a tower of tubes several different times.

after it got knocked down, he built it again, then explained to his mom that it was a campfire (see the red part?)

This was his play story from today:

"This is my camera!  Click!"

 

Also, there was a lion:

This is what happens when you spin the clay REALLY fast!

And this is what happens when you stop the spinning from underneath the plate part:

And this is what happens when it gets a little loud (kiddos regulating their own environment):

 I saw quite a few instances of parents reading to kids during the program today, both in the meeting room play space and out in the Children's Reading area play space.

 "Look at our long road!"

 Check out this doll house!

 

I love how she's incorporated this puzzle from the children's reading area into her play:

 A group of kiddos spent a long time working on this:

 And then more joined in to make it even more elaborate.

 I like this new technique for carrying a bucket (with a bungee cord hooked onto your shirt collar).

we also had a few older kids join us while they were on Spring Break and look what amazing things they can build!

This was an innovative way to put away the tubes!

 

here are two more play stories from this week with some really rich language!

In one of the parent journals this week, a mom wrote,

"Why do we strive to do this different kind of parenting during Anji Play?

to give children play freedom,

in a safe place

where risky play is allowed,

conflict between children runs its natural course

& where parents pause from being teachers of their children and become learners of their children in their loving observations."

Please note: "Anji Play,” refers to a specific philosophy and comprehensive approach to early education developed by Ms. Cheng Xueqin in Anji County, China. I use the term "Anji Play" to describe my programming and throughout this blog with the explicit permission of Ms. Cheng because our programming has been developed as part of a close collaborative relationship with her and her team of Anji Play educators. If you are interested in learning more about how you can bring Anji Play to your community, please visit www.anjiplay.com