Making, and Playing, and Kids... Oh my!

This past Saturday was really fun, getting to hang out with the kids and watch what they created. I've been trying to process it all and think about themes or even case studies that stood out to me. For now- I'll make a list.

- It was interesting to me how every kid seemed to undergo a different process to create. I noticed that some of our friends found items arbitrarily and collected them solely based (at least it seems to me) on aesthetic value, texture, or function. After they collected their items they decided what they would make. There were others who found a couple of objects as inspiration for what to make, and went ahead and started their creation rather than collect all of their materials first. They would create, then go back to the table for more supplies, go back and keep working, etc.

- It was interesting that to me one of our friends made things solely for others at the start. The first 2-3 items she made were for someone else, not for herself.

- Some of the kids made things that have usefulness in a normative sense (a scale, a doll, a dollhouse, a puppet), and others who made more imaginative creations (a rain maker, a roller coaster, a bed). 

- Every single kid made something different to start. Only after one friend made a rain stick did then others copy her. But even still, everyone made something original.

- Few kids asked for help in coming up with something to create; in fact, no one that I know of asked for help. One friend got help because he didn't seem to be making anything, but overall I saw and heard no kid ask what should I make? Rather, all of the help asked for was more for practical help- like cutting this or holding that. 

I'm sure there is so much more that I could talk about, but for now, these are the things that really stood out to me.  

Imaginary Play

This is PLAY.

Playing Fate

So, I'm posting late. ARG! I have a good reason though- I spent the past three days in Las Vegas with my husband! I had never been to Vegas, and Justin had a conference, so it was a good excuse to go.

Monday was his birthday, so it was really nice to be together. We walked the strip, which was beautiful and horrific all at the same time. I felt very conflicted the whole time we were there. On the one hand, you have some beautiful buildings, interesting architecture, and people (like us) who gamble purely for entertainment, and therefore know when to stop. But then, on the other hand, you have men peddling pictures of half-naked women who more than likely aren't in the business because they want to be, homeless people who have nothing, and people who are gambling their lives away, all in hope of hitting that one jackpot. It's a really difficult position to be in. I wasn't sure how to feel, or if I could/should enjoy myself? It made me think a lot about our discussions about how one person's "play" can be so detrimental to another person- and is that then really play?

However, I did enjoy playing the penny slots. I won nothing, but only lost $10. Overall, I did enjoy being with my husband and seeing a new city.

Celebrations and Play

This past weekend was filled with gathering surrounding celebrations and traditions. It all started on Friday. Our church, Redeemer Community Church, held a Good Friday service. It was somber, yet beautiful, remembering the death of Jesus. I sang and read Scripture. While this wasn't really play, I did enjoy the service, as it made me remember and ponder my faith.

After the service, we had a birthday party for my good friend Erin at the Irish Lion. We had such fun laughing and celebrating her. This is how I typically think of play- eating good food, drinking good beer, and socializing with friends.

On Saturday, we had a lingerie shower for my friend Emily, who is getting married in May. I was one of the hostesses, so I spent most of the morning baking and decorating. The shower was a great success- lots of people came, Emily got some great gifts ;), and the food was delicious. Again, this fits with my typical view of play.

On Sunday, we had our Easter gathering at church. I run our kids ministry, and we had 40 kids- we normally have about 20 kids. While it was a bit stressful, it was also really fun. After church, we had a pitch-in lunch. Again, this fit in to my traditional view of play.

I guess what I loved about this weekend was how many rhetorics of play I experienced (not sure if that's the correct word). Each experience had seemed to have elements of play that were shared, and other elements of play that were unique to that particular experience. It's amazing how this semester has broadened my view of play and made me think about how so much of life is play, if you view it that way.