By Judy Laufer
Walt Disney called it “Imagineering” and made imagining fun for all ages!
Young children make sense
of the world through play and by using their imaginations. They learn
social and emotional skills through play and interaction with their
peers and with adults.
They learn valuable
lessons like taking turns and predicting outcomes. Have you ever
built a castle in the sand or maybe just a sand cake with a young
child? Great conversations can develop. You can discuss your
surroundings, like who lives in which house, or whose birthday could
this be? How many people or how many candles should there be? What
about your house or family? How many birthdays or how old are you this
year or next?
They learn vocabulary by
trying out different words and different combinations of words. They
learn about humor and what’s funny by playing with words and putting
different word combinations together. For example, “smelly” and “feet”
by themselves are not funny, but together it may be hilarious to a
young child. They are developing a sense of confidence by trying new
things. In play they are not judged or criticized.
Walt Disney certainly
understood the importance of imagination for young children and their
belief in magic. Fantasy and reality seemed to weave in and out of
stories that children and their parents love. He knew the importance of
developing creativity in children by developing their imaginations.
His stories were engaging for both parents and their children. He even
seemed to be able to touch the child inside every adult.
I was lucky enough to
grow up with Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss as my heroes. I was transported
to wonderful lands by the magic of Disney and entertained by the
zaniness of many of the Seuss characters.
As an early childhood
educator I too believe in the importance of providing lots of
opportunities for children to use their imaginations and their sense of
silliness. The silliness enables them to try new things, think
creatively and positively about the world they live in.
Here are some suggestions to just have fun with your children,-Ask you kids to make up silly and funny names based on everyday things like food or household items. Banana head or apple cheeks and then make up story using these characters. Where do they live? Who are there friends? Being silly can be fun and creative.
-What things can you think of that can be done backwards. Try walking backwards or sideways.
-The residents of Gigglyville, the town featured in my book series, can hop on one toe, for example. See if they would like to try that!
-Try a “dress up day” where you find clothes that are way too big and
then way too small. How do both feel? Which would they choose if they
had to choose one?
Enjoy a happy, funny giggly day or night!
J.E LauferJ
Judy Egett Laufer BA, author of the new release, “Last Night I Had a Laughmare-Bedtime Adventures in Gigglyville” (www.laughmarebook.com),
is a certified early childhood educator/consultant and has taught
Kindergarten for over a decade. She wrote this book to help families
bring laughter and joy to their children’s bedtime routine. Her strategy
for diffusing difficult situations with children is infusing a little
humor and silliness. Laufer wanted to give children and their parents a
fun way to approach bedtime. Laufer attended Concordia University in
Montreal, Canada. She is married and she currently lives with her
husband and son in the Southwest.
No comments:
Post a Comment