Organic Play

My children, aged 6 and 7 are not the typical kind of children who goes all crazy over parties or any activities organised. They rather stand at the side lines watching or simply do what they want to do, without being told or instructed what to do.

So initially, I was quite hesitant to sign them up for this event but went ahead since it was my friend, Sarah ("The Playful Parents") who organised it.

This event was named "Organic Play Party" as play to be organic in nature and spirit. So what does that mean? Mess of course!! It is fluid and uncontrolled play time for my children. Something which I felt was different-away from shopping malls or the confines of walls but it was held in the void deck and multi-purpose hall of HDB in Tampines.

There were about 5 stations for them to go to and play. First station was bubble fun where they learnt how to make their own bubble dough. Its a softer version of play dough made with conditioner! So, it smells really nice.

 

 

The second station was where you use marbles and different sizes of ball, dip them in paint and roll them on the drawing paper. Caleb had fun in that station as he gets his hands dirty!

 

 

 

 

There was also a music station where they could take any items provided to make music. It was quite creative as the child could discover various ways in making sound.



 

 

 

 

The next station was the dirtiest station where they did the water-filled balloons in paint and simply throw them. I was surprised both of them had fun playing. Danielle even commented that this was her favourite station!

I was practically cringing each time I see paint get onto their tees..yes, I dread the washing. Ha. But I kept reminding myself that it is ok..play is meant to be dirty and fun!

 

Finally, the last station was where they could make use of their bubble dough to decorate using pasta, straws, leaves, rubber bands etc. I like this station is its not dirty and it instils creativity as well.



At the end of it, I was glad my children gave this a try and took part in the activities.

 All in all, I am glad I brought them here to experience what play should be about-simple (in transforming public places into playful places) and how simple objects found everyday at home can be transformed to experiences with some imagination.

Sometimes I feel we are crowding our children with so many things that they forget how to be a child anymore-how to play, laugh and have fun with the simple things in life, nature etc.

Are we striving too much in wanting extraordinary things to happen in our children's lives? Why not focus on the ordinary instead?

I love what it says below..