Don’t “Contain” Me

I’m taking a little baby break from the blog to take care of my new little man.  I’ve asked  some of my favorite bloggers to guest post for me in my absence.  Today, I’m so excited to introduce you all to Heather from Little Moments.  I seriously love her blog!  This woman is smart and really understands little ones.  After you’ve read her post here, make sure you head over to her blog to see all her amazing stuff!

Hello fellow Dirt and Boogers readers!  My name is Heather and I am delighted to be guest posting for Amanda while she gets to know a very important new member of her family.  I write about early childhood topics, activities, and everyday moments over at Little Moments.  Enjoy my latest entry…
 
Don’t “Contain” Me

Some of the most entertaining things for children are simple open ended objects; bottles to fill with treasures, boxes to hide in, Tupperware bowls to bang on, and other miscellaneous containers.  I’ve noticed when children play with containers, it’s not always about what’s inside, but what’s not inside.  Every new day is exciting to a child, so I imagine that they ask themselves, what can I do with this to make my day even more exciting?

I believe that the less a toy does the more a child will find something to do with it.  A container does more than hold its contents; it’s a hiding spot, a building block, a drum, a game piece, a train, a hat, a tunnel, and so on and so forth.  Blocks become cities, rockets, ramps, bridges.  Sticks become forts, magic wands, and writing utensils.

The opportunity to play with the simple allows for endless ideas.  How often do you give your children those
opportunities?  How often do you see them use open ended toys and objects in different ways?  
Do you provide items that “contain” your child’s imagination?  Or do you leave the “lid” open for them every day?