Unstructured play means free play. Simple, right? We schedule time for school, time for homework, time for TV or computers, time for sports or dance or other organized activities. Don’t forget to schedule in time for free play. At least an hour a day. This weekend, we dropped everything and headed to the beach to watch the sunset and play in the sand. Even as a reluctant grown-up — I benefit from my free time. These unstructured hours, or half-days, or weekends bring the most rewarding moments in my life.
Here’s some free play photo inspiration from recent days when I left the kids and their friends to play on their own:
Inventing pretend ice cream cones:
Constructing Poseidon out of LEGOS after being inspired by reading “The Lightning Thief”:
Digging through the recycle bin to make spy gear with Scotch tape:
Reconstructing the first Thanksgiving (there’s a turkey hiding in those bushes):
Set their imagination free and watch the creativity flow.
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You are a cool mom, Michele! It’s always helpful to get a reminder about the importance of letting creativity run wild. Something I’m adding to my daily “to-do” list!