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"Oh my goodness, this is what it's like for kids! I see the need for this play experience as part of the whole training process. This for me fits the schema of what I want my staff to experience. I want them to experience the value of play,and create a personal vision for themselves based on direct experience. This type of training process is essential for people who have gotten out of touch, who have forgotten who they really are and what they really value.†Maria Chavez, Family Development Program, University of New Mexico
"In a world increasingly overwhelmed by waste, we believe it is still possible to think and act positively to effect change. Our purpose is to stimulate exciting new possibilities for developing environmental leadership and creative learning. By collecting and creatively reusing discarded materials, over-runs, reject and otherwise "worthless" objects, generously donated by our local business community, we are helping to build a more creative and conscious society." -Walter F. Drew, EdD, Reusable Resources Association, Institute for Self Active Education
COMMENTS FROM:
2008 NAEYC 17th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development “Technology and Early Childhood Education”
The Play Experience: Strategies for Connecting Technology, Children’s Thinking, and Open-ended Reusable Resources
Reflections of Fifty-five Workshop Participants.
PRESENTERS:
Walter F. Drew, Founder, Institute for Self Active Education
E-mail: drdrew@cfl.rr.com www.reusableresources.org
Henry Olds, President, Olds Consulting
E-mail: hjco@rcn.com
Baji Rankin, Executive Director, New Mexico AEYC
E-mail baji@nmaeyc.org www.nmaeyc.org
PARTICIPANTS:
1. Jennifer R. Dieter
Connors State College
2004 Fredonia
Muskagee, OK 774403
918-619-2343
dietersplayworld@yahoo.com
When I started, I used clear caps and tried to build bridge but it fell over because the wood piece was too heavy. I then grabbed a foam block and treid to replace the wood – still too heavy. I put the two wood pieces leaning on each other to make a swing using the yarn and a belt buckle. I use green, yellow, and brown to braid and then tied a belt buckle to foam,..a beautiful crown and bracelet to be a beautiful princess queen.
2. Renee Miller
CASI
110 Assisi Ave.
Jeffersonville, IN 47129
283-6337
rmiller@cas1.org
I started building a play area for children outside and inside with steps and ladder. All the little white caps represent people, teachers, children watching playing balancing together. I made a teeter totter out of felt fasteners, chairs out of plastic lid covers and metal overall fasteners. You can go as high as you want or play onn the ground. This is a reflection as each individual is at there own level. The teachers are interacting and observing the children. To me it was the way it is. Everyone is on there own level of skill. Growth can happen at any age. Thank you for this experience.
3. Christine
Cartwright Early Education Center
Phoenix, AZ
Clb257@nau.edu
Originally I decided to thread and make a belt out of belt buckles laced on a wire. I thought it was funny to have a belt made out of belt buckles. Then, I found some yarn that was like hair. I braided that and then decided that I needed to make a doll. Out of foam, my belt, fabric andother items. I made a great doll! I really am happy with her!
4. Lori Nanney
Community College/NAEYC
137 S. Post Rd.
Shelby, NC 28152
704-484-4131
nanney@clevelandcommunitycollege.edu
As I began the “self play” experience, I chose to take a few seconds to look at/explore with the materials. I began with no real plan in mind, just to build. (construct, think, have fun!)
At first, I found myself looking at the creations of my neighbors but quickly became confident in my own abilitites. The moore I worked with the materials – the more I wanted to! (Why in the world do we insist on putting time limits or rigors on the play experiences of children. This is simply ridiculous!) Thanks for the experience!
5. Kay McWhirter
Cleveland Community College
137 S. Post Rd.
Shelby, NC 28152
704-484-4119
mcwhirterk@clevelandcommunitycollege.edu
I found myself focusing more and more on what I was building. However, I did resist the urge to help out my friend next to me. Not talking was the hardest part bit it kept me focused on my project. I am amazed at how things we would normally throw away easily become “play” items for children.
Everyone at the table had the same items to work with but no two structures were the same.
6. No name
I loved seeing all the materials, was awe struck. But was overwhelmed like. I could not generate a plan of action.
7. Carol Hawkins
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
chawkins@ysu.edu
1) The more time I had, the more thought I had *important to allow children time.
2) I designed a city scape of New Orleans – so it made me refect on my time that I spent here up to that point.
3) Now that I’m reflecting, I think of and remember more that my friend and I saw and did in 2 days so far.
4) All of my creations had some meaning for me. I’m not certain it would have meaning for others - * important to allow children have their own meaning and create their own meaning.
5) I stepped outside my comfort zone of symmetrical and made the city scape a little asymmetrical.
6) It was hard not to talk.
7) I am looking forward to sharing my creation with others.
8. Nancy Perkins
Ohio AEYC
939 W. Main St.
Bellevue, OH 44811
npickens@woh.rr.com
419-483-5265
Today it was easier to begin this time. Yesterday I felt tension and stress. Today I feel peacefulness. A connection to my sister who just passed three weeks ago. As I strung the plastic rings I thought of hope. As I wrapped them around the wooden pieces that stood up at different heights in the plastic cubes, I thought of how my sister and I were always connected and intertwined. Then as the thread emerged from the sculpture, I was able to form a face with 2 eyes, nose and smile with the thread trailing off into eternity to represent our happy times and comfort I will receive from the happy memories forever.
9. Sandra Roach
sandraroach@nops.k12.la.us
I felt very relaxed, not rushed. This is something that I feel is quite important to incorporate in my early childhood setting. Time is also needed. It took me several minutes to decide which material (s) I wanted to work with. I tried several before I actually narrowed my choices down to two. Children also need large blocks of time so that they can also go through the same process to experiment. Solo play is also important for children. Often, cooperative play is stressed (dominantly) in my setting. By having this solo play or at least the opportunity is essential. I would love to start my own day in this way! I need to model this type of play more often w/my own students.
10. Ana Perez
Early Learning Coalition
2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Miami, FL 33134
aperez@elcmdm.org
305-646-7220
By playing with these recycle materials I develop a a spatial awareness and through trial and error I realized what measures to take to make the pieces fit together creating numerous shapes. By allowing ample time I kept imagining many possibilities of what to do with the materials to extend my play. With children you can also talk about angles – direction and position of the blocks, twigs etc.play
11. Selene Willard
Childcare Resource Network
1100 Elizabeth St., Suite 1
Lafayette, IN 47904
765-742-7105
swillard@thechildcareresourcenetwork.org
At first my thoughts were limited to what these materials could be used. As I manipulated them more my thoughts ran wild. I wanted to build a campground for Indians and the central theme was my campground fire. As I began creating this I really felt peaceful and was completely present in the moment. I had no cares or thoughts of anything else other than my play. I was focused until my materials ran out. I wanted more materials to expand my campground and since I didn’t have anything else the creativity stopped. This really proved to me that just having blocks in a block play area is not enough. Putting unique materials in a play area can foster creativity. The sky is the limit! What did I make in relation to my thoughts, central focus family? It’s about the process not the product.
12. Connie
Innovations International Charter School of Nevada
1600 E. Oakey Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
702-216-4337
connie.malin@iicsn.org
Although we know play is vital to the development of children, by the time these children reach first or second grade – play becomes confined to recess and outdoor motor skills. As I went through the solo play experience I could see math skills, visual perceptual skills, and trial and error strategies at work. It’s also about the development of a concept while using tenacity to get the job done.
I’ve always liked letting children build with blocks. To see how we each can generate that one universal theme of creating/building while devising a variety of structure is great!
13. Olympic Williams
Andrews AFB
4575 Virginia Ave
Andrews AFB, Maryland 22303
301-9(7)81-7081/3035
Olympic.wiliams@andrews.af.mil
As I was twisting the wires I begin to think about combing my daughters hair. Braiding her hair before school was the relaxation of the morning We would talk about all kinds of things, (school, shopping on the weekends) Then I compose eye glasses from the wire. I thought about her wearing glasses. It was a major change in her life at the age of five. She did not want to look different from friends. But we work through it.
14. Diane Webber
Andrews AFB CDC#3
3725 Fetchet Ave
AAFB, Mayland 20762
240-857-3197
diane.webber@andrews.af.mil
At first I didn’t know what I wanted too do or make. Then I just allowed my thoughts to flow. I picked up pieces of wire and some small wood scraps and began to wrap the wire around the wood. I discovered that the wire was strong enough to hold the pieces of wood “up in the air”. So I began making a three dimensional sculpture. As the music played I found myself relaxing, my breathing began to slow down. I could feel sort of outside of myself because I am not a sculptor. Some people were mumbling at the table near me and my thoughts began to wander. I changed materials and began to work on something else.
15.Rashalle McKay
Andrews AFB (CDC)
4783 SanAntonio Blvd.
AAFB, Maryland 20735
301-981-3324
roshelle.mckay@andrews.af.mil
A nice get a way for a minute from the big city. Sitting here cretinga nice summer home with skylights throughout the house made me feel so at peace and relaxing. As the candle burnt throughout the house in the windows the sense of the smell made the house smell beautiful and refreshed.
16. Kristen Standifer
Northside Elementary
501 W. Elgin
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
405-402-0350
kristenstandifer@hotmail.com
I got here late so I didn’t have very much time to build a structure and most of the different colored blocks were taken. That’s what I get for being late I guess. I am very excited to learn how to integrate technology into my classroom. I work for an ABC Pre-K program and we have lots of technology money to spend and not a lot of knowledge about what to spend it on. Another teacher and I are here at the conference to gather information about technology in the classroom so we will know what we need to buy.
17. Patricia Whitehead-Thembani
Fairfax County Public Schools
6800 Industrial Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
571-230-6156
patricia.whitehead-thembani@fcps.edu
When we started I felt intimidated by the materials and what others would creatively be able to do. As I got started I got into my own world. While building I was thinking about what I was doing and why I might have chosen to do this house with people, pool and trees. Swimming calms me and trees give me the breezy air I love. Family is important to me. I just brought my daughter and grand daughter up north to live and it’s what’s on my mind.
As I put the finishing touches on it I thought about how much math I was doing (counting, patterns) and also science(balancing materials, how to make slants) I also realized while working how much of a perfectionist I am. A lady bumped the table and my world fell apart. Emotions: 1st- sabotage – sadness – an earthquake (humor). But I still needed to put my world back together.
18. Cindy Sweeder
Office Early Childhood
6800 Industrial RD.
Springfield, VA 22151
703-658-3631
Cynthia.sweeder@fcps.edu
I loved the materials! I also had a curiosity to see the other materials – I had to walk around to see what was out there. I wish I could have touched and picked up other things around the room. I also wanted to comment and ask questions of other people’s creation: “the what the why the how”? of what they had done. I enjoyed the creating time – at my own pace in my own way. As a resource teacher to other teachers, I can’t wait to share these fabulous resources with them.
19. Kimberly Lewis
Fairfax County Public Schools
6800 Industrial Rd.
Springfield,VA 22151
703-658-3640
Kimberly.lewis@fcps.edu
This was a very non-threatening, free exploratory experience. The atmosphere was friendly, calming, safe and supportive which all contributed toa conducive environment fro free expression through play. In my experience, utilizing the materials at my station, I began to construct the “idea” of a playground with a connecting pool. The experience allowed me to imagine and fantasize about children enjoying wated and physical constructive play simultaneously. The experience allowed for critical thinking and informative thinking surrounding this idea. It was very nice and useful. N active way of learning, while maintaining your own individualism.
- George Windton – “Autumn”
- Frank Wallace – “Sketches”
20. Shannon Niven
Koala Preschool, NS Elem.
501 W. Elgin
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Shannon.niven@sssd.k12.ar.us
I like the freedom of the experience. There was no pressure for something “great”, just room for creativity. The diverse materials encourage deeper thought – when the objects don’t have a set purpose.
21. Amanda Sparks
University of U.C. Student
Cincinnati, OH 45216
513-242-9252
sparksal@email.uc.edu
I originally started off with a car structure, but then it fell. I used my car structure strategy to make a train, but that fell too.
The last structure I started from scratch and just put items where they fit right. It’s two stories and had trees and bushes around it. My structure felt inferior to those around me, but since it was the third time, I didn’t feel too bad. The music was calming.
22. Lisa Gruber
UC SEYC
985 Hempstead Dr.
Cincinnati, OH
gruberlk@email.uc.edu
I enjoyed playing with the blocks and other materials. It was relaxing. What I began with is not how I imagined it would end.
23. Pegi Stamps
Penn Valley Community College
3201 SW 11 St.
Bluesprings, Mo 64015
pegistamps@gmail.com
* I wanted maerials that could = function vs. form –
* Bamboo was enticing – the sound, the “natural” material. I wanted to use ½ pieces of bamboo to make ramps: pathways. zI could elevate one end and secure the ramp but I wanted more ½ pieces to create gutters. I now realize that the properties of the bamboo allow pieces to be hollow – which I could make a more complex system – maybe!
*Foam pieces. Again I wanted to create ramps; pathways. Problem solving, trial and error, design and redesign. “stuff” to “stuff” the sides of the gutters so each of the four gutters could = 1 long gutter. Rolled the circular piece – redesigned – rolled. Felt pieces became counters. (drawing)
23. Angela Greand
LSU-Eunice
P.O. Box 1129
Eunice, LA 70535
337-55—1330
225-252-8674 cell
kajnkisses@yahoo.com
- I’ve got an idea! I’m gonna stick with it the entire time. I want to experience the persistence of carrying out an idea for the entire time.
- Confined! There is no space to work.
- Moving! Literally and figuratively; I’m moving to the floor. Yes, I am separate, but I’m free to work. I’m moving forward with this original idea – it’s expanding.
- Expanding! It’s becoming a masterpiece! The collection is born.
- Frustration! I can’t get the material to work as I like!
- Rethinking. Rework the idea, think outside the parameters.
- Moaning! Someones work fell, hear the moans from the crowd.
- The collection: Representation & Symbolism. The first is patterned and orderly (purple); what a nice world it is; 2nd abstract and dynamic (blue), represents a journey – don’t like open destination put an end (process yet product); third – represents unity, except I’m different, only me going in opposite direction; maybe represents exceptionality.
An aside:
- uncertainty: I want something off this table; smile and take! Whew! It was OK. See note on the back.
I am usually a very process oriented person, but I made a conscious decision to get into the mindset of a product oriented child,..the child whose behavior can sometimes be difficult because he/she does not readily give up on a particular “fixation”.
I was so amazed at what and where sticking to one initial idea lead me. I was able to come to a stopping point before time was called, but I have a deeper appreciation for the product oriented child who is still in the mindset when time is called. Imagine the frustration! Imagine what could be developed if we just allowed them more time and weren’t quite so resistant to their “fixation”.
24. Linda Talley
Kansas Kids Day Care
110 N. Eisenhower
Junction City, KS 66441
785-762-4338
admin@kkids.kscoxmail.com
You’re never too old to play. It’s fun, it’s relaxing and it relieves stress. It is a way for adults and children to problem solve. If at first you don’t succeed – try again. We learn thru play.
25. Renatta Cooper
Pasadena Unified School District
821 Merrett Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-644-3065
rcooper@pusd.us
I made a draw bridge. We were caught on one Friday and had to wait for the ships to pass. I became focused on the levees at some point. I wanted them to be strong. Should they be tall and thick, wider? I went with wider. The experience gave me the opportunity to work through something that had really disturbed me. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to do this.
26. Stephanie Moore
Springfield School
8000 Cherokee Street
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-247-7200
smoore@springside.org
This solo play session reminded me a lot of my day in my Pre-K classroom, but much, much quieter! We have large blocks of time when the girls (all girls school) can explore. I am frequently taking photos so it was interesting to be on the other side of the camera. I wanted to go to all of the tables and see what they had made. I see the thrill of shiny things coming out in me just like comes out in my girls.
27. Andreia Searcy
Prince George County Public Schools
Andreia.searcy@pgcps.org
Initially I was concerned that I would not be able to occupy myself for the time give, however, I found myself unable to stop creating. The music was just right and kept/made my “creative wheels” keep turning and turning.
28. Ashley Eaton
University of Idaho
aeaton@uidaho.edu
I started by using the small wooden, colored blocks. I figured that I would make a structure of some sort. I then made a wall behind it out of large foam blocks. My structure wasn’t going anywhere so I moved the pieces closer together. It then became like Jenga seeing which pieces I could take out and have it still stay together. Those pieces went up. It was growing. I then leveled out the sides so I could put a large foam piece over the top. I built on top of that. It was starting to form. I moved the excess pieces from the bottom to the front of my structure and put another piece of foam piece on it. Then I put small white wooden chips on the foam spaced out in 2 rows.
- It ended up with a tilted house and a road.
- I think it was about the process more of working to develop something than having a goal in mind for me.
- Relaxing
- Creative
- Thinking
29. Sandy Hess
Seton Hill Child Services
1011 Old Salem Rd.
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-836-0099
sandy@shchildservices.org
Interesting how people interpreted and used the exact same materials in such diverse ways. The music was calming and elicited creative thought processes. I enjoyed creting my own design, but would have welcomed input and collaboration with a colleague.
30. Danielle McKee
Seton Hill Child Services
502 Main St.
Irwin, PA 15642
724-864-0700
missdanielle05@hotmail.com
During today’s solo play experience I built a house of logs. My house has black and white siding and a gold and diamond walkway. I made a mosaic roof also.
I really loved the music that was playing during the solo play. I thought it generated a lot of creativity and would do so for my children as well.
The hands-on experience was gret for us to pretend for just a while that we were children experiencing something for the first time
31. Monica F. May
Mississippi State University
Early Childhood Institute
520 Turtle Lane
Brandon, MS 39047
662-213-9039
mfsemcmay@bellcouth.net
- Calm, relaxing
- Thinking of my little girl (7 months) and husband at home
- Loved the sunshine, clouds in the sky, birds, travel
- Enjoying the time away from home for a bit of self time
- Feeling selfish too..knowing I need it,..feel husband should be able to handle it.
- Wish I could go to a beach somewhere on airplane.
- Remembering each day is new & to cherish every second good or bad
- Thankful for the wonderful people in my life
- Thinking of how I can do this in my classroom & work in w/teachers and children
- Wondering how it would impact them. How I would get these resources to them. Would they like them
32. Barbara Tacchi
Waterbury School Readiness
26 Kendrick Ave FL-1
Waterbury, CT. 06706
303-573-6684
tacchi@comcast.net
* ideas changed along the way
* looked to use materials in conjunction in different ways
* relaxing –introspective
* tried- didn’t work or fell apart tried something else
* dinosaurs & rocks too static – too prescribed as to what they were- used stripes of cloth & blocks in non-traditional ways – used rubber bands to hold together
* observed negative spaces as important as the items used in construction
33. REQUESTED INITIALS ONLY
cuzomah@upo.org
I built a mini zoo with tigers and lions. I also built a farm with horses. Then I realized I had to separate the zoo and the farm with high fences because the tigers and lions are dangerous animals. I do not want them to get out and bite the horses or people. There is also a whale – I let the whale be by himself and play in the water.
34. Sue Rotolo
Jefferson Parrish Public Schools
4524 Jasper St.
Metaine, LA 70006
388-6525
s.rotolo@cox.net
I created a version of the pavilion at the Botanical Gardens. I am a native of New Orleans and was sharing the city info with another participant immediately prior to the event. I found it difficult to work quietly without interaction with the group. My nature is to share. My structure reflects the rebuilding of the city. Parts of it were “decorated” and parts were incomplete. The materials used were wonderful but I felt the addition of a few simple tools (scissors, hole punches) would have helped me to crete a more complex and detailed representation of my thoughts and experiences. OK to share
35. Judy Scheumann
CANI Head Start
2901 N. Clinton
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
260-373-1760
judyscheumann@canihelp.org
My objective with using the “glitter” rope strands was to see how many pieces of driftwood it would take to use up the entire length of strand. It took 4 pieces but it was tricky switching from one piece to the other. Then I created a foam structure on the floor and made a pattern of blue discs and plastic pieces. Back at the table I crisscrossed pieces of driftwood to see how high I could go. They fell several times so I started over. The resulting structure reminded me of a beaver dam.
36. Pam Zimmerman
STOP Organization Head Start
937 Nugent Dr.
Chesopeake, VA 23322
757-546-3977
zimmermanpam@aol.com
This was a fun activity. When I was doing this activity I thought of my own son who has ADHD and aspergers. I reflected on how much he would enjoy this activity as I did. As I was putting the blocks together, I had to think of which block to put next in order for the structure not to fall.
This activity would allow children to critically think. It would allow them to use their imagination.
37. Christine Ortiz-Gatlin
San Jacinto College
Hoouston, TX
Christine.ortiz@sjcd.edu
I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted to construct, however each time I tried to construct my vision, it fell 3 times. Then I st back thought a minute and decided to build supports with the blocks to secure my structure. I wanted to use the long gold stick like poles with streamers to give the structure a flowing effect or look. I was the only person at my table that used the flat pole like pieces of equipment. I tried to think like a child, so that my adult mind would not get in the way of building my structure.
38. Renee Gould
Quinsigamond Community College
670 W. Boylston St. Box 87
Worcester, MA 01606
508-854-4423
rgould@qcc.mass.edu
I had a wonderful time exploring the materials. I collected materials from a variety of places. I felt creative and totally absorbed. It was interesting to explore balance using so many different surfaces. I will definitely add this process to the block building workshop I do with my student teachers each year!
39. Catrina Griffin
Norfolk State University
5719 East Hastings Arch
Virginia Beach, VA 23460
757-499-1642
c.n.griffin@nsu.edun
While playing with paint sticks, small wooden blocks, soda tops, you have the freedom to be creative and use your imagination. It gives a chance to express emotional or personal feelings. Things that you might not know are an issue for you.
40. Janice Bell
STOP Organization Head Start
2551 Almeda Rd.
Norfolk, VA
838-1360
janice109@hotmail.com
During this session I learned that it’s hard trying to refrain from talking. Although, I was able to use my creativity using various materials. It was exciting. The atmosphere was relaxing, safe and colorful.
41. Sandra N. Williams
Norfolk State Universtiy
1314 Willow Ave
Chesapeake, VA 23325
757-773-3062
Sandra.n.williams@pps.k12-va.us
Calm
Relax
Moving
Open-ended
Open-minded
Letters
Shapes
Track
Free to be and create
I enjoyed this workshop. I would love to attend it again next year. Thank you.
42. Glenda Higbee
Child Start
1069 S. Glendale
Wichita, KS 67218
316-682-1853
ghigbee@childstart.org
- Realized I had forgotten how to play!
- Doing hands-on-manipulating things began to come back to “play”
- Music is calming; is it from a CD we can purchase?
- What part of contain your conversation don’t you understand!
- As teachers – children sometimes reuired to contain their conversations for longer than some adults can manage!
- As a trainer I liked that you gave us a large block of time to do this activity.
- I usually tell providers to go to print shops, cabinet shops, wall paper stores for “free” stuff – but I would love to know some other ideas to pass along
- The brain is a pattern-seeking device. I saw many types of patterns in the slide show – such learning! – how valuable for kids!
43. Vicke Furlow
Ursuline Campus Schools
3105 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY
vfurlow@ucschools.com
Used the materials to pattern, go from biggest to smallest, just to build items to see if they could support themselves, and imaginative play.
Feelings – relaxed, engaged, not competitive, not interested in what others were doing until I became bored with my objects. It became obvious that I like order in my life from my structures,
44. Heather Mayhew
Pre-K Johnston Elementary
1256 Franklin Ave
Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
hbmayhew@gmail.com
I saw the blocks and thought of constructing right away. Began with red cubes. Wanted to keep symmetry on each level. Chose blue cylinders to bring more color to the construction. Ended with a home. Dded green to reflect idea of trees. Used blue to symbolize pond with two fish causing me to reflect on Dr. Seuss themed lesson from March. Wanted home to be more inviting. Still looked cold. Added a “brick” path. Visioned a white picket fence. Still looked too structured. Added whimsical fellow. Felt restrained with given space to work in and time restraints! Wanted more materials to work with.
45. Hayley Kintop
Fox Valley AEYC
902 Park St
Batavia, IL 60510
630-816-6923
hayleykintop@yahoo.com
I really like the soap looking blocks. They had a neat texture and color. I thought a quiet play time was nice, but I felt a little pressure. Like I couldn’t make cool things like the people next to me. I liked being warned that time was almost up. It gave me a chance to finish what I began. I felt like I couldn’t use all the materials on the table b/c they were grouped up in front of everyone. I also enjoyed the colored rings, those are a cool fine motor material.
46. NO NAME PLEASE
kcaffrey@manzanodayschool.org
I felt intimidated at first. Everyone jumped right in building so I picked up a stack of thin blocks. The first thing I noticed was the color variation so I put them in order from lightest to darkest. That started me on a roll with the other materials, looking for ways they could be put in progressive order. Sense of relief that I had a plan.Not so concerned w/what others were doing. With molding pieces, I ordered them by thickness, then noticed the pieces made a pleasing pattern when in that order. Plastic containers were next. I stacked them from biggest to smallest, then on their sides from shortest to tallest. I sat for a while thinking of other ways to order – I didn’t want to repeata theme. Decided to order the blocks by distance apart (one block apart, 2 blks, 3blks, etc). Oh, I just thought of another way – I could group by progressive numbers.
47. Heidi Anderson
UW-Stout CFSC
811 6th St. E
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-235-1301
andersonhei@uwstout.edu
When I first saw all the materials I was very excited. Then I thought, “What am I going to do with them?” I started just picking up several pieces and manipulating them. Then I was watching other people. I saw that some of the caps fit together, so I started to try to find the ones that fit. Then I began stacking them. They started to look like layered cakes to me. I wanted to use the smooth strips of fabric because no one was using them and they felt so nice. I decided to weave them around the bases of my cakes and then found small strips to set under the cakes. The entire time I was playing I wondered, “What would my children do with these materials?” “Would they need some modeling or prompting to use the materials or would they come up with a constructive way to use them on their own?
48. Sharon Bried-Downing
Fairfax County OFC-SACC
12011 GOVERNMENT CTR PARKWAY
Fairfax, VA 20033
703-449-14414
Sharon.downing@fairfaxcounty.gov
I rebuilt the city of New Orleans. I have two angels looking over and protecting the city I could have played all day. I ran out of time building the roads and buildings. I enjoyed the experience.
49. Roseline Philippe
Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade Monroe
2555 Ponce deLeon Blvd.
305-646-7220
rphilippe@elcmdm.org
The fact that we were asked to keep conversation to a minimum allowed me to get within my own thoughts. The music was soothing. It felt like I was alone at the table with the materials and I could do anything.
It is not surprising that my play focused around sequencing of colors and shapes. It was challenging to find all of the different sizes of the caps, and to put together pieces of cloths alternating between light and dark colors.
50. INITIAL ONLY
hinitz@tcnj.edu
I wanted certain pieces for my construction and my table mates gave them to me with no hesitation. I want to take my construction home – because I like the pieces that are in it.
I want to know where the items on our table come from so I can get some for my students and myself. I’m glad my structure is balanced and did not fall down.
51. Patricia Vardin (Tower photo)
Manhattanville College
2900 Purchase St.
Purchase NY 10577
914-798-2714
pvv27@aol.com
In this experience I let myself work on an intuitive level, simply responding in a sensory way to the materials and to the table.
My eyes were attracted to the red, silver and blue shiny ribbons, the red cubes and the gold bars. The red, blue and silver triggered a patriotic feeling within me. I am from NYC and experienced 9/11.
I have never written a response regarding 9/11, painted a picture, or composed a song. Today, in a very simple design, I created a block tower, topped with silver cylinder, surrounded by silver, blue and red shiny ribbons. It is my simple personal memorial to the memory of 9/11. PV (Would deeply appreciate a picture of my sculpture. Thank you.)
52. Lorraine Sue Olsen
Stories and More
30 Cleveland Rd
Caldwell, NJ 07006
201-396-1227
storiesandmore@verizon.com
I was attracted to the natural wood pieces and the rocks. I tried using the colored blocks, but always removed them. They just didn’t seem to “fit”.It was a challenge to use the non-traditional shaped wood pieces to make steps and felt good that I could do it! I must have been thinking of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” movies because my design was several levels with a large rock “shrine” at the top, 6 dinosaurs along the bottom were guardians. The only color I used were two pieces of the colored ribbon along the sides on the base.
53. Marybeth Intili
Stories and More
30 Cleveland Rd.
Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-493-7102
storiesandmore@verizon.net
Start with rocks and dinos –
Built up!
Added ribbon for water coming down rocks –
Then started twisting the ribbon to add dimension
(friend is on a whitewater rafting trip – had water in mind when started twisted ribbon)
Added dinos – all along water edge-
Eventually ended up with water falling off table –
54. Esther Brown-Robinson
374 FSS 1 FSFC
PSC 78 Box 779
APO AP 96326
315-225-8860
esther.brownrobinson@yokota.af.mil
The play experience was inviting and soothing. I started out building a city out of bamboo. It was no right or wrong way to build. The city was how I felt it should be. For a moment in time, I created a city exquisite and free. Secondly, I went to a table and created a collection foil bows.
The foil was shiny and reflected light as a rainbow of colors. It reminded me of Christmas as a child. All the bows reminded me of gifts, surprises, and fun. This was a wonderful visual and sensory exploration
55. Jewel A. Goodman
USAF Bolling AFB
4456 Tinker St.
Washington, DC 20032
202-767-2989
jewel/goodman@bolling.af.mil
The play experience was very relaxing. Adding music to the hands-on play made the play more enjoyable. Using different shapes, textures, colors of materials the child could make their own creation from the different choices.
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