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Lately some of my dcks have been trying to bring little toys with them to story/circle time and to the lunch table too. Like little dinky toys cars or little stuffy they want to be sure to play with afterwards. I prefer they come to these activities toy-free. How bout u? TX!
Are they bringing them to play with them at the table/circle time or bringing them because you have interrupted their play and they want to ensure they can continue with it once done?Quote:
Originally Posted by ebhappydc
I would not allow them to bring it to play with at the table and even at circle time. I wouldn't have a problem with a child putting a toy under their chair at the table to finish with later. Or placing it on the counter or other set spot to return to play with after a meal. BUT recognize that if this is just being introduced it will be a hot new fun thing to do and every child will want to save a toy for later. So have boundaries in place. They can't grab any random toy nearby and need to save it for later and they can't bring every toy in sight either.
So, you as the adult will have to determine "Johnny I have noticed you have been playing with that car for a long time now, we need to stop for circle time but why don't you place that car here on this shelf and you can continue playing after circle time". Versus everyone circle time is starting grab as many toys as possible and load them up on the counter!!
It is fair to assume that a child that is engrossed in play will be upset with having to leave their toys to do an adult led activity to return and have another child playing with they toy. We want to encourage extended, meaningful play and this can help do that...but it is a slippery slope :-)
Children are smart; we have defined areas so, no toy can travel out of their area. Usually you have the old ones who tell if a toy is out of place:0) as my teaching activities happens during circle time; they know that there will be other things to explore as a group. I also explain that most babies are learning so, we just help them keeping their toy by playing quietly or by placing it in a basket until we're done or trade it for a book. And our eatING table is free of toys. Even at lunch time the young ones learned to leave the toy on the shelf. The lunch is not placed on the table if a toy is on it. They learn the message quick and when you call for lunch, they place their toys on the shelves with out me asking. Unless someone is new in the group. They learn very quick. Wonderful little minds:):)