We have been talking about the world that God created. This week we had the gardening tools, gloves, seed packets, and tissue paper and chenille stems (to make flowers). I figured that the kids may enjoy playing with the items for a little while, but I didn't expect a lot of play.
I was amazed at how much they got into their gardening/planting play. They used the tools to "dig" and "trowel" the carpet.
They pretended to sprinkle seeds and water them. The spray bottle became "bug killer."
Rows of tissue paper flowers appeared. They even gathered the flowers and put them in a pot to display.
Imagination is a powerful thing. We had no dirt, sand, or anything to dig in. Yet they did a lot of "digging" to prepare their gardens. We had no real or pretend seeds - just a couple of empty packets. Yet they planted and harvested several times. What looked to me as a simple, limited activity blossomed into an engaging activity of planning and cause-and-effect. All due to the power of imagination.
I've always believed and advocated letting children use their imaginations...choosing activities that allow them to test and use their own ideas. And now I'll never doubt the power of imagination again!
Photos by R. Scott Wiley
