Children Naturally

Let's talk about the memories left after all the play is done and the children go home.

We are so concerned about filling their days with activities and directing them here and there, but what do they remember when they go home?

Are they filled with joy of all the fun that was had, or contentment of a wonderful day spent playing with friends in a space they felt safe to explore and challenge? Or are they exhausted from being told what to do all day and trying to live up to our expectations?

A parent shared with me years ago that part of their bedtime routine was to snuggle with their child while they looked at the photos posted on our private childcare page. She would tell her mom all about what she did, who she played with and all the adventures she had that day.

The candid photos I took and posted daily created a wonderful opportunity for this family to connect and share at the end of their day.

I have talked with this mom recently, and she shared how much her daughter missed coming to my program.

This filled my heart with joy to know that the work we did created wonderful memories that they will carry with them into the rest of their life's journey.

So as everyone is looking at heading into September and back to fall programs, I want you to ask yourself, what kind of memories do you want to create?

Episode 2 will drop Thursday morning at 6 am. (Perfect time to listen on your way to work 😉 )

There is a long list of the benefits of spending time outside. You already know lots of them, but I bet there are a few that will surprise you. Have you ever thought about how the outdoors affects Corisol levels or children's vision?

Join me and give me a follow. I would love to connect with you.
(I post biweekly)

Let's talk about fine motor skills.

We spend so much time thinking about how to set up playful experiences to support children in developing fine motor skills that we forget to see what is happening right in front of us.

I love to watch the focus on this little face as she pokes the pen into her Papa's croc. This was not planned; it did not take time or money to set up. It just happened naturally through her natural curiosity and play.

How many of us would have stopped her and told her pens are for paper or that she shouldn't be playing on the deck with others' shoes?

We can see so much happening if we just take the time to notice with our own wonder and curiosity.

Let's talk about the simple Mud Kitchen.

We so often see elaborate designs that rival the beauty of the kitchens in our own house. Children really don't need that. They just need a space, some pots, bowls, utensils, and other items either donated or found in a thrift shop or second-hand store, and the time and the freedom to create.

A great addition to our own mud kitchen was coloured water, small graters and chalk. They use leaves and flowers for spices and seasoning. They become world-class chefs right before our eyes.

I love the colourful soups and teas I have been served over the years.

Their imaginations blossom, and the conversations can be quite complex when they talk about their cooking.

Head outside and get cooking! 🙂

What do you believe about the role of outdoor play?

Today's episode is all about busting the myth that outdoor play is all about blowing off steam. Outdoor play is so much more than that.

(Note: Episodes drop every second week on Thursday mornings.)

A few months ago, I had a discussion with Debra Lawrence on the IPA USA Porch Chat. It was posted this morning.
There are hundreds of Porch Chats on their YouTube channel with so many amazing people.

IPA USA Porch Play Chat with Cindy Curry Let's Get Outside! Creating Outdoor Environments for Every Porch Play Chats are just one way IPA USA advocates for the Child's...

Today is the day!! My pilot episode dropped this morning.
*It is available on Spotify and will be available on Apple Podcasts soon.

It is scary putting your voice out there. (But so excited too!)

Let's talk about how we can encourage children to care about living creatures outside.

The first step is to get them outside often! Let them explore and engage with bugs, which means asking questions, talking about what they see and what they feel, which might be fear about certain insects, and touching (when safe).

A few years ago, the children found a butterfly that seemed to be struggling to fly. The children (who were preschoolers) wanted to do something to help this little butterfly. We found a plastic tray; the children gathered flowers from the garden area and wanted to add an orange slice. (They knew the importance of oranges from when we grew our own butterflies).

Once the tray was set up, the butterfly was carefully moved to the tray with the leaf. We then gave it space, but the children checked on it often. Eventually they went to check on it, and it was gone. We like to think we helped it grow strong and it flew away. They were so happy thinking they were able to help that little butterfly.

When children are playing outside and are taught about the benefits of the little creatures around them, such as spiders, ants, worms, ladybugs, etc they learn to see them as important, and they are not as quick to be fearful of them and want to squish them.

What really happened to that little butterfly we will never know, but we can hold tight to the belief that just maybe we played a part in saving it that day.

Let's talk about keeping cool while playing outside in the summer.

I recently observed at a child care program, and the staff brought out this frozen ice with beautiful flowers from her own garden in it. I was taken by the beauty of it.

The infant group was immediately enthralled with it, exploring all the textures (ice and the flowers as it very slowly melted). I can imagine the older children using it in their mud kitchen.

What creative ways have you tried to keep the children cool this summer?

Exciting news! I am delving into the podcast world!
Launch date is set for the beginning of August!

Hope to see you there!