Just a quick continuation on the topic of
free-play...
Richard Louv discusses in Last Child
in the Woods how the rise of
living as secondary experience where everything is filtered through
visual and audio technology is creating a situation where children
essentially do not learn anything of genuine substance.
Here
he quotes Robin Moore of North Carolina State University:
Children
live through their senses. Sensory experiences link the child's
exterior world with their interior, hidden, affective world. Since
the natural world is the principle source of sensory stimulation,
freedom to explore and play with the outdoor environment through the
senses in their own space and time is essential for healthy
development of an interior life. This type of self-activated
autonomous interaction is what we call free-play. Individual children
test themselves by interacting with their environment, activating
their potential and reconstructing human culture. The content of the
environment is a critical factor in this process. A rich open
environment will continuously present alternative choices for
creative engagement.
Another
voice with a fresh perspective on why free-play is a critical
component of curriculum!
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