Perspective on Projects
I welcome and accept change. I rearrange my furniture, grow and cut my hair, try one new recipe a week and often repaint my walls. I look forward to the change of seasons. Summer is coming and I am ready. At one time, summer was my catch-up for all the things I didn’t do the rest of the year. I thought of it like THE weekend to the year. I was overwhelmed with choices and the lists of things I “should” do. It was daunting. Talk about expectations – a definition of summer is “a period of greatest happiness, success, or fulfillment in the life of someone”. Yikes!
The project that put me over the edge happened years ago. In the midst of juggling family, career, home and friends my Dad suggested I should put in a vegetable garden. Although I always enjoyed gardening, how in the world would I squeeze in preparing the soil, planting, weeding, pruning, watering and the list went on. After going ballistic, it dawned on me I needed to be as kind to myself as I was to my daughter. I needed to place a realistic perspective on projects for myself just like I did for her. Like her projects, they needed to be:
1. Doable – appropriate in both size and scope for the allowed time.
2. Attainable – setting up for success with an expectation that could be reached by age appropriate diligence or attention. (This is different from enabling success by lowering the bar.)
3. Enjoyable – it is an area of interest
So, instead of planting a garden, I planted an herb garden in a pot. And, I have to admit, even now, instead of cleaning the house I may just tackle a closet or junk drawer.
KidsPark tries to incorporate this philosophy into our arts and crafts. There is no wrong or right – only creativity of expression. We present open-ended projects that can be completed by each age group in a reasonable amount of time. We incorporate the use of many media to hopefully have something that will be of interest to each child. (By the way, glitter appeals to boys and girls of all ages. The more the better.) Although a sample of the project may be offered for our visual learners, it is never used as the defined end result. KidsPark wants each child to experience the project, feel successful and enjoy the process. Art builds self-esteem. The kids eagerly wait to present their finished treasure to their parents.
I hope some are saved to show them when they are teens and older to mark that stage in their development. I think it may say more about the child then their photograph. And, they will remember their special projects. My favorite memory is a paper mache mask from second grade. What’s yours?
Feedback
Our last newsletter addressed How Play Has Changed and Changed Children, which observed how supervised/structured play has replaced open play.Ê Many parents reflected Òwe are literally killing our kids by keeping them safeÓ since reducing physical play opportunities is increasing childhood obesity and diabetes. On the flip side many parents said that they raised their children without fear to encourage their children to become outwardly social and Òstreet smartÓ. We are grateful for the many responses from families that appreciated KidsParkÕs safe environment and approach to play and creativity. Thank you Ð being able to provide our service is a true joy.
Email us at
Debbie@kidspark.com. Thanks for your input!
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