Sometimes play is not what I expected, yet turns into something wonderful. Last month was one of those days. When we went outside, class photos were being taken under the tree, so we couldn’t use the playground. We had to use the Peace Pole area for outdoor play. Leave it to children to figure out play, without a sandbox, trikes, or climbers.
Children ran like the wind back and forth, carrying and throwing a ball. It was a breath of fresh air, newfound fun.
Next, they set up and climbed on top of big tree stumps to play ‘hot lava’. It was very popular and included a lava monster. Then, dinosaurs became part of their play, so we brought over the dinosaurs from the dinosaur den. Who wouldn’t love to play escaping dinosaurs and hot lava?
Do you see what is happening here?
Children are making up their own play.
No adult has interfered.
No wonder they were so happy.
After we brought over the dinosaurs, children continued to use the tree stumps and began to sing a popular dinosaur song. When children create their own play, friendships and cooperation flourish. And, anything child directed is much more fun.
Oh, there’s more!
Our final element about playing outside had children tired and happy from so much running and inventive play. They needed a rest. So they went to a shady spot – our Memory Garden. Children have been there before, but not like today. It was a ‘discovery’ in a deeper way.
Most children sat along the edge, wanting a rest in the shade from their hard play. Then the questions began. First we found ‘Sparkles’ painted rock. She was our hamster who died. Then they wanted to know the names on the other rocks and what animal it represented. We found beloved Aqua Room guinea pigs from long ago. We talked about not disturbing the rocks, as they were important for remembering pets and even loved ones. Yes, there is a Captain America stone for a past dad and a dragonfly stone for a past child. Of course children asked questions.
Is the dad under the Captain America rock?
No, he is buried in a place for people.
He loved Captain America,
so the stone helps us remember him.
There was nothing sad in the discussion, just learning and curiosity, and answering children’s questions honestly. It was quite wonderful. Grown-ups have a hard time talking about death and dying with children. My advice is to listen and let them talk. Sometimes that’s all they need. Read on…
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Such fun to see the kids playing their own made-up games. And your Memory Garden is so special, too.
Just as childhood should be. Thank you, Marcia!
We used to live outside! I find it sad that some will have their children schooled at home and then plant them in front of a TV or computer screen. I just don’t think it’s healthy, physically and mentally.
I feel the same way. It’s not healthy at all. No wonder mental issues are on the rise. Sigh!
A touching memory garden. While reading, I was thinking, “”Why don’t many kids playing outside these days?”
Play not playing
Thank you, Frank. Good question! I think it’s a combination of both parents working and having little time for their kids, plus a fear of safety. Sad.
Jennie, this gave me chills. this is children just allowed to be children. with adults just acting as their guide, as it should be. creating their own play, using their imaginations, singing, the memory garden, what it means, why death and passing and memorializing is such an important part of life, and not all sad, but the celebration of having loved someone and having had them in your life. what wonderful life lessons, that they will carry with them
Yes!! You have said it beautifully, Beth. That’s how it should be, with natural life lessons.
I left my comment on the 2016 post, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
I will go back and check it out. ❤️
Kids need to run and play with no inhibitions. I love your memory garden and the conversations it invokes. I read the previous post as well.
Yes, they do! The memory garden often triggers conversations and questions, which is wonderful. Thank you for reading the previous post, Darlene. It’s one I’ll never forget.
So nice to see children playing outside. Thanks for the lovely post Jennie.
Thank you, Kamal. Playing outside is what children need and love.
Children are far more brilliant than most adults give them credit for. Their imagination leads to so many fun things. And even if there’s some conflict, they seem to always work it out in a good way. Rarely is an adult needed to interfere.
I’ve often wondered why so many adults fear talk of death. It’s all part of the circle of life, everyone dies. Children seem to intuitively know this, yet adults behave as if they’re shielding children from a great tragedy. Yes it’s sad when a loved one dies, but it’s also normal.
You are right on every count, Rose. Children are brilliant, and they don’t need adults to get in the way. Death is natural, and when children can ask questions and talk about it, it’s really matter of fact. When parents or adults try to ‘protect’ children from death, they’re really creating fear and worry.
Sometimes, supervision is better than teaching. I love the sound of this day.
Yes! It’s hard for teachers and parents to not step in and ‘help’, but children need to learn on their own. Thank you, Jacqui, it was a great day.
Lava rocks and dinosaurs, great playthings.
Yes, indeed!
I can relate to this sort of play. We never had play aids when I was a kid, we just ran about. Climbed trees and made up games.
That’s how it should be for all children.
Beautiful Jennie.
Thank you, John.
😊
Spontaneous imaginative play is the best!! Even better when there is fresh air involved.
Yes!!
It’s so good for kids to make up their own games. There should be more of that!
Hear, hear!
Delightful!
Thank you, Laura!
Aren’t these unscripted learning times some of the best? Finding ways to play when their normal area isn’t available shows a lot of creativity. I love the Memory Garden idea, which quite naturally will lead to excellent questions and discussions.
Yes!! You know this well, Pete. Also, the Memory Garden does just that, as long a a teacher/parent listens and follows the lead of a child’s questions.
That memory garden is wonderful! I commend those who made it. I enjoyed watching the kids play. Fun and happy.
Thank you, Hazel!
You’re most welcome, Jennie. Happy Sunday!
Yes absolutely true Jennie. You are always welcome 🤗
Thank you, Kamal!
So nice to see the innocence and made up play of young children. The days before they get hooked on electronic devices, although sadly that age seems to be getting younger and younger. I think my generation and older got to hold on to that innocence much longer than kids today. I remember playing outside and made up games with my sister and our best friend until about 12 years old. The 12 year olds I teach prefer video games….sigh.
Your comment rings loud and clear. Of course you are right. Teachers can make a dent, especially if they communicate with parents. I often feel that parent education is as important as educating children. That’s why I started my blog. Don’t give up on your 12-year-olds. Tag in the classroom? Red Light Green Light?
Wondrous that these kids can create their own fun and don’t have to rely on ready-made stuff like playground equipment. Avoiding dinosaurs and lava sounds like fun! And an important skill to build, in case one encounters those things outside of school 🙃
Yes, it is! Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” He was right. Of course learning how to avoid dinosaurs and hot lava can certainly come in handy. 🙂
I love that quote!
It’s one of my favorites. 🙂
Running and playing and making up their own games. Essential development, Jennie. You are so wise to nurture that experience.
Definitely essential development. Thank you for your kind words, Dan.
I so agree with you, Jennie. If the adults are afraid of the conversation, kids are bound to fill in the blank incorrectly.
I like how you said that, Marlene. Fear can create more problems.
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Thank you, Kamal!
It is wonderful to see children playing outdoors having fun… We have a infants school within walking distance from our home, and if I go walking and happen to pass at play time breaks, its wonderful to hear children’s laughter and squeals of delight in play..
Children are very accepting of topics of death. and while many adults wish to avoid such subjects, I feel Jennie you have created the right approach in sharing such memories and the why’s of questions in your memory garden…
The video was a delight to watch…
Sending much love for all you do xx ❤ 🙏💖
Thank you, Sue. Children’s laughter says it all. My first director, over 40 years ago, told teachers to embrace children’s questions about death and open the door. She was right! Every classroom pet who has died has had many a discussion, which often leads to grandparents, dogs, etc. – isn’t that the point? One of our hermit crabs died over the weekend, so I’ll be bringing up death and dying tomorrow. It’s a good thing.
It is Jennie… We are brought up to fear death, and yet it is just a transition, from one stage to another… Talking about it, especially to young children, helps I am certain with their future coping mechanisms when they lose a pet or a grandparent of their own…
I know I had a long conversation with my granddaughter who rang me many years ago in tears to tell me her beloved hamster had died… Talking I know is a very Good Thing xx ❤
Yes, it is a very good thing. Children get much needed comfort and love when talking about death. You know that well. Thank you, Sue.
sometimes all you need is a ball, and to let their imaginations go from there.
and what a beautiful Memory Garden…
Well said, Jim. That’s all kids need. Thank you, the Memory Garden is quite special.
So much love and tenderness in this. I wish there had been a “Jennie” in my young life. You are an angel among us. Hugs.
Awww… that’s so nice, Teagan. Thank you, and big hugs!
Great to see kids playing outside. That’s how we grew up. And we made up all kinds of games. Beautiful. ❤
As it always should be. Thank you, Debby.
❤
The memory garden is a great ting to have and enjoyed seeing the video too
Thank you, Prior.
A oerfect blend of play and reflection, curiosity and emotion, Jennie. This is just how it’s done. A beautiful post.
So beautifully said! Thank you, Diana.
I love watching my grandkids make up their own games inside and out. What a lovely way to teach about death and remember those beloved animals and others.
It’s the best play! Yes, the Memory Garden helps us teach death and remembering in a natural way. Thanks, Carla.
Garden looks great!
Thank you.