Preschool Learning- through organized play...

I do not have a fancy degree in child learning, I did take a child Development class in college but I honestly remember very little. I am reading a book called "Tools of the Mind" which is interesting but also seems to find a lot of "deep science" type studies from what seems like common sense to me. But there are also some great things I have learned that I did not know. It is not an easy read though- very thick with science terms and facts, and fancy words! 

One of the things I read in there was the power of organized play, and to be honest I think they had a more fancy term for it. But that is what I like to call it. What you do is give the child 2-3 options of things to play with. Things that flexible in play, and can be used in many ways. Blocks, containers etc. They get to use great development skills by looking at each option, and then making a choice. 

 Then they are Free to play as they want,  but they are to clean up, before moving on, and there may also be a time limit as well (keeping the idea organized) but still giving them freedom to be creative. There are to be no other things/toys around them, this helps them to stay focused on this creative play. Also to clean up when done teaches them to take care of there things. The time limit helps them to learn  and understand that time is in periods or segments.

 We do this organized play at times when I am working with another boy, these ideas that Ryan can choose from are listed in his binder, I do help him see his options and he picks then plays. Cleans up (not always happy about that). He goes get much Total free play as well.

 Some things he likes are the containers and mini animals, I got those at ikea, really cute. He loves them. Here he is playing in our rice box. Cost $6 bucks, $1 for the container, $1 for the plastic bugs, $1 for plastic lizards $1 for the shovel and rake and $2 for the rice.

 Another activity he likes to do is draw with chalk, he is free to do what he wants but I give him letter cards too if he wants to use them. He drew the letters ridding a roller coaster!