Free Play Activities

I often get asked what the children do during free play.  Free play is different every day and varies by child.  Here is a peek into today's free play time in Ganon. 

Building Robots and Cars

Magnetic Curves and Lines

Letters are made with lines and curves.  The magnetic pieces encourage children to build letters.

Making Potions

This activity includes fine motor tasks of cutting, tearing, and squeezing.  It allows for scientific discoveries.  Several children worked together and had meaningful conversations during the activity.

Drawing and Painting a Fall Still Life

During the activity the children focused on shapes and color.  

Working with Number Cards and Counting

The math materials were used yesterday during a large group activity.
Several children chose to do a similar activity during Free Play today.

Geoboards

A primary goal for using the geoboards in Ganon is to learn about shapes and geometry through  playful discovery.
Additionally, the rubber bands take fine motor strength and serious concentration (as shown in picture above).
The picture below shows the pride children feel after completing a self directed project.

Sorting by Color

Writing on the Dry Erase Board

This child was writing numbers for a game that he created for  his friends.

He was practicing making curves.
He had asked the teachers to help him learn to make 2's yesterday
and choose to do this during free play today.

Train Play

He set up the train tracks and was retelling the story of The Little Engine The Could.

Books

We have books located throughout the classroom.
Children often take a short break from playing to look at books before returning to play.

Drawing Pictures

These two girls especially like drawing pictures from each other.  

They often spend their time drawing, having conversations, and laughing together.

Writing Letters on the Magic Slates

These slates are part of the Handwriting Without Tears Program
and are a fun way to practice writing letters.

Observing for Changes of the Chrysalis

Light Table

The translucent shapes are a favorite material on the light table.

Word Puzzles

Writing Numbers

Many children choose to write numbers today.  

Small World Play in the Fairy Garden

Today's pretend play had the animals going to the park.

Measuring and Pouring in the Sensory Table

Writing Friend's Names

If you visit our classroom during free play, you will probably observe someone writing a letter, picture, or mail to a friend because it is a favorite activity of the class. 

Indiana Learning Foundations

ELA2.1: Demonstrate awareness of the alphabet

ELA2.2: Demonstrate phonological awareness

ELA2.3: Demonstrate awareness and understanding of concepts of print

ELA3.1: Demonstrate mechanics of writing

M1.1: Demonstrate strong sense of counting

M1.2: Demonstrate understanding of written numerals

M1.3: Recognition of number relations

APL4.1: Demonstrate development of social interactions during play

CA4.1: Demonstrate creative expression through dramatic play

ELA1.2: Demonstrate expressive communication

PHG3.1: Demonstrate development of fine and gross motor coordination

CA3.2: Demonstrate creative expression through visual art production

CA3.1: Demonstrate creative expression through the visual art process