Unstructured Play!

A few mornings ago I was watching the Today Show and they were doing a segment on the importance of unstructured play. Their point was that these days too many of our kids have all of their play time structured for them. There are even many schools now that dont have recess time- crazy! They apparently have done studies that show that kids actually learn more when they are given open ended play time and have to be creative for themselves. Of course there is a balance between structure and open ended play (nothing wrong with having your kids take a music lesson or be involved in sports)- and that was their message. So far (being only a year and a half) we have plenty of unstructured play- and here are a few pictures to show you!:) Most of them are of Lily dancing (which she loves to do these days)- and in the last one she is reading "Leo" a book. Too cute! By the way, this cute little linen dress she is wearing is one of my favorites (it's so beautiful and simple)- thanks Aunt Cindy for this adorable dress!

A few days before I saw the Today Show piece I found this fun toy called "Bilibo." Apparently it's won awards for being a simple, open-ended toy that promotes creativity. I'm hoping to get Lily 2 or 3 (maybe for Christmas). If you are interested check it out at www.bilibo.com

I've also been dreaming of getting her foam blocks that she can crawl on (and build with someday). Now I've just got to get the basement clean so that we might have room!:)

Hope you get to play a little today!