An early childhood education professional recently shared a post from the resources of Learning Wild, brainchild of Kristen Peterson. Kristen offers encouragement and counsel via her website, online classes, speaking and her blog posts.
This particular post was concerned with children enjoying imaginative play outdoors. Immediately, Kristen Peterson’s support for free, outdoor play and imagination brought the following instance to memory:
One day last fall while I was waiting for a friend, I saw a group of children playing outside under an old cedar tree. Their toys included a few sticks, leaves, a plastic bucket, some old dishes and a large cardboard box. Back and forth they would run, carrying the sticks first in the bucket, then in the box. Suddenly, one of the boys shouted joyously, “We are here!” There was much dancing around in circles and hugging one another as everyone celebrated their arrival at the base of the cedar tree.
Next, they set about making camp. One child started sorting out the sticks. Another smoothed a place in the dirt, setting the bucket nearby. The sticks were laid carefully, to build a fire “to cook the lunch”.
An old pot without a handle was filled with invisible water from the bucket. One child added a few leaves to the imaginary fire. Another stirred the lunch with a stick. Taking a sip from the end of the stick, the chief cook pronounced the food delicious. The three hungry workers settled under the tree, leaning against the wide cedar trunk. Each received a cup or plate and a stick. Lunch was served.
“Bow you heads”, someone suggested.
A silent moment of gratitude was observed over the broken plates of food.
Together, the three raised their heads and began eating their meal.
“Be careful, it’s powerful hot!” was the warning.
All nodded in agreement. With great satisfaction, the three smacked their lips as they feasted together. All had seconds and some had thirds. There was plenty in the old pot for everyone.
Following lunch, the dishes were tossed into the bucket, and the box was transformed into a boat.
Taking turns, the three children floated down the dusty river, catching great big fish with their sticks-turned-fishing poles. One fishing person was struggling mightily to haul in her enormous catfish. Suddenly, she fell overboard. Luckily, she was rescued by the other two fisherfolk dragging her to safety. In no time, their boat was full of fish!
An adult voice the people recognized floated over the empty lot a short distance away.
“Kids! It’s time to come in! We need to get ready to go!”
All three adventurers sprang into action. The bucket, box and broken dishes were gathered. Each person grabbed some of the supplies. The three adventurers ran west to get ready for what was coming next. The tree and sticks and leaves would be there for the next time someone needed an adventure.
Need a break from screen time or worry time? Ten minutes outdoors may help refresh and refocus. Fresh air, the sounds of nature and a quieting of our minds can help create a calmer outlook on the day.
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