When play occurs outdoors in natural elements,
it draws children in. It whispers,
“Come and play, I have everything to give you.”
The leaves were bursting with color.
Ladybugs were everywhere.
Sticks and rocks are great for building.
The playground has a new Farmers Market in the playhouse.
It is filled with gourds and mini pumpkins,
and of course leaves, sticks, and rocks.
These are the greatest tools for play.
They’re open ended.
They make children want to think and explore.
We are nearing the end of fall.
The trees are almost bare.
The cycle of nature spurs new ideas, new play.
In the words of Albert Einstein,
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
When nature calls to children (and it does), I am reminded of
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
Everyone needs to read this classic book.
Here I am, reading the book aloud:
I will always champion for play and for nature, because they give children the gift of learning while having fun.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This is wonderful, Jennie. I love reading The Giving Tree to the children!
Thanks so much, Ritu. The Giving Tree is one of the best!
Thank you for reading the story to us. I loved hearing it being read out loud. What a treat. May we never forget to play.
Awww…I’m so glad you loved hearing the story. Yes, may we never forget to play. Thank you, Darlene.
Such an important message to teach early!
Yes, indeedI Thank you, John.
🧡🧡
Here, here!! The playground looks lovely in fall!
Thanks you, Deborah. I appreciate your concurrence, and yes the playground is very pretty in the fall.
Beautiful, Jennie. And a powerful book that often makes me cry. I’m a wuss for sure. I love the photos of autumn leaves. ❤
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Diana. It’s hard to read the book aloud to children without getting choked up. You’re not a wuss, you just have a big heart. ❤️
Thank you. I think I can say I enjoyed it as much as you. 🤗
I’m so glad! 😀
I needed a tree story, and it was a treat.
😍
Wonderful post, Jennie and I too agree with you. Nature is always the best for everyone and children too enjoy the outdoors. Lovely pictures.
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
So much truth in your words, Jennie.
I’m glad you think so, too. 🙂
The playground is wonderful, and I enjoyed listening to you read the book. We haven’t seen any ladybirds at all this year, which is strange. We sometimes get large clusters of them around the outside of the house, but not this time.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I’m glad you enjoyed this. It’s a wonderful book, isn’t it? Nature changes year to year with what is profuse or scarce. I find that interesting.
I have my eye on the new Farmers’ Market playhouse. It looks the perfect place for imaginative play.
It is! We also have potatoes in the market, yet many children don’t know what they are. Another teaching opportunity, right?
Many children don’t know what potatoes in their uncooked state are? That surprises me.
That surprised me, too. I need to bring in a potato and have a Morning Meeting with lots of questions and discussions. Oh, I will bring in different kinds, too. There’s always a teaching moment in education.
I’ll be interested in how the lesson goes.
I will follow through.
Thanks!
I too love the Farmers’ Market. Learning on so many levels.
It doesn’t surprise me they don’t know what a potato is. Everything comes out of a box for them now. Most young adults don’t even know how to cook whole foods, much less mend a skirt or even sew on a button.
I’ll bet our great grandmothers felt the same way about spinning and weaving.
Well said on all counts!
I love it when you recap the wonders of childhood learning, Jenne. Thanks.
Thanks so much, John. That makes my day.
Mine too.
😀
The gift of learning while having fun. Now there’s a sentiment I can get behind. Ha, ha, it makes a big difference! 🙂 🙂
Yes, it speaks to both of us, and really makes a big difference. Best to you, Brian.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I agree, Jennie, play builds imagination and inquisitive children.
Amen!
I couldn’t agree more…’Life’ is so ‘many-faceted,’ while many folk only recognise the most obvious aspects. xx
Well said, Joy. Many thanks!
Play gives the mind permission to find enjoyment.
Oooo, I love that! Thank you, Pam.
yes, yes, and such a natural and beautiful way to learn
You know!
What a wonderful post, Jennie. All the important things in life.
You said it well. Thanks, Dan!
So important for kids to get close to nature and learn to appreciate and value it. Nature should always be a big part of nurture!! Go for it Jennie!
Spot on, Opher. It’s been said that nature is our greatest teacher. I like how you said it should always be a big part of nurture. Thank you.
This warms my heart.
I’m so glad, Marlene! ❤️
Hi Jennie, thank you for this wonderful post!
You are welcome, Charles!
Pingback: Play + Nature and “The Giving Tree” – MobsterTiger
Thank you.
Hi Jennie, a lovely post. Your fall colours are beautiful. I don’t recall ever reading The Giving Tree. I’ll hVe to look it up.
Oh, please look up the book. It is one of the greats, simple yet powerful. Thank you, Robbie. I just wish the fall colors lasted longer.
I love the Giving Tree. ❤
I’m so glad you know and love that wonderful book! 😍
❤
Right on!
Thank you, Bette!