Adventures in Free Play

 Many of the Ganon blog posts focus on small group and large group activities.  Today's blog post is all about free play.  Free play is the most important part of our day because it is when the children are in charge of their experience.  It is a time for children to follow their own interests.  It is also a time when children can use their creativity and develop their imagination.  Free play time encourages decision making and problem solving.  Additionally, free play teaches children to work in groups with others and helps to build positive relationships between peers.  

This is what the Ganon children choose to do during their free play time today.

Puppet Shows

Drawing and Writing Words

Creating in the Art Center

"Cari showed me how to make puppets."

Playing Hide and Seek with Rubber Ducks

"Count to 60!"

"I am a shark."

Playing the Yes/No Question Game

These two began the game and shortly five
more children joined their game.

Writing Letters on Salt Trays

Creating Letters on the Sequin Fabric

Building with Small Blocks

"I am making a house for baby."

"Look how tall mine is!"

"I made a smoothie."

Building with the Big Blocks

"A bed for my baby"

Creating with chosen Items from 

the Recycle Cabinet

"I am making arms."

Chatting with Friends

Sensory Bin Play

"Look at my kitty puppet!"

"I made a water maker...hot and cold water."
She later tried it in the classroom sink.

A Birthday Party under the Sensory Table

Writing the Alphabet

Matching Dominoes

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