I apologize for the disappearnace of this post from my blog history! A dear reader discovered its absence and graciously ask that I repost it. So thank you for making me aware of this!
“Freedom to be…..” Each child needs the opportunity and freedom to just be who they are: a child! Children learn not only fine motor skills but gross motor, social, language, cause and effect plus much more through their own play! Here’s several outside play suggestions! Don’t forget its very important for adults to play as well!!!!
For large muscle development: Playground equipment of all kinds, digging in dirt, riding toys for outside play, helping rake leaves, wash cars, and so much more
For small muscle (fine motor) development: Picking or cutting flowers, planting seeds, pulling weeds, water play with various hose nozels, making snow balls (for you up north!), with adult supervision hammering, painting with various sized brushes
But also please remember, that free play is very necessary for developing the imagination! “Its not the end product its the process of doing something that counts for learning.”
A book well worth reading on the importance of play for both adults and children: Play: How It Shapes the Brain by Stuart Brown.
For adults he discusses how certain large businesses while interviewing their future employess asks questions about their play history: very interesting:)
P.S. Don’t forget to visit me at www.lynaot.com/blog for further blogs!