Playful Learning Giveaway

Yesterday I shared part 1 of the interview I had with Mariah Bruehl from Playful Learning. Today we finish the last couple of questions and share the details of  the Playful Learning giveaway.

4. What two tips would you give to parents and educators who want to start implementing more play-based learning experiences in their homes or classrooms?

First and foremost I would recommend slowing down and to just spend time listening to your child. Follow his lead and do whatever he wants you to do with him. It is during these times, when your child has you as a captive audience that you can learn a lot about his interests, questions and skills. When your child feels listened to and seen, they are far more receptive to your ideas and invitations.

After you have gleaned some information from your child about what her current interests are, it is helpful to do a bit of preparation. Take a trip to the library or do some research into activities that may extend or deepen that interest. I enjoy leaving little clues around the house like a book or a craft supply to catch the attention of my daughters.  Once they ask about them and find out that there may be more involved, they are eager to participate in the activity!

5. Tell me about the most memorable learning activity for your family that you included in your book?

That is a really hard question! Each activity in the book holds such fond memories for us. If I have to choose one experience that has had the most profound impact on us, it would be the lesson on Put-Ups and Put-Downs. I feel strongly that if every parent and child were introduced to this concept the world would be a better place! The idea is simple—put-ups are things that people can do or say that make you feel good and put-downs are things that people can do or say that make you feel bad. Yet, by identifying them and giving children simple vocabulary to use to talk about situations as they arise, they become very aware of their actions and the actions of others. Having an understanding of these simple terms has helped us to better communicate as a family and to discuss and work through a variety of social situations that have come up for our daughters over the years.

6. How has this approach to learning with your kids changed you?

My children have become my greatest teachers. I learn so much about how to best work with them when I take the time to pick up on their cues and follow their leads. Before I had children, I had strong views about the "right way" to teach children. After becoming a parent I realized that the best way to teach children is by seeing them for the individuals that they are. Now I realize that there is no "one size fits all" solution to education. We have to do what works best for each child and that may be different for different kinds of learners.

Guess what…

CLOSED You can win a copy of Mariah Bruehl's book, Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder as well as a space in her 6 week fall e-course Playful Learning Spaces

The Details:
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment! (see that was easy :) )
Optional entry:
Share on Twitter or Google+

*Giveaway runs from Aug. 25th – August 28th. 
* U.S. residents only
*Winner will be drawn by random.org and will be emailed.
*Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
*Please leave your email address in a comment or visible on your profile.

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