At our Listening Conferences, many parents mentioned hopes that this year their children would learn about independence, as well as learn more about how to be part of a community. There is tension in this... the community versus the self. But in many ways, learning independence empowers a young child to be a meaningful part of the group.
One aspect of this learning is taking time to concentrate on developing mastery of self-care. Dramatic play offers opportunities for practicing what we call "school skills." Part of getting ready for a tea party in drama, for instance, is learning to wash hands well and how to manage the paper towel dispenser without any help.
At the tea party, we learn about saying "please" and "thank you," as well as passing the cream or the sugar to someone who is waiting.
The early days in the drama area are focused on using imagination and creative play to rehearse the things that are important at school.
Another aspect of this learning is being able to move and use materials in an organized way. When this happens, everyone can participate in the community actively and peacefully.
Children who have not been in school before have probably never been asked to walk in a line. Gathering everyone together to form a line can be a challenge at the start of the year.
But the discovery of a treasure map gives us an opportunity, again in small groups, to travel about and practice following just behind the friend in front of you.
For instance, they hear that it works best to use only one hand to hold on. Or that one should stay on the righthand side and wait for the person in front to step off of a step before stepping down onto it.
Our dramatic play and practice is rewarded with an actual box of delightful treasures.
And also a little better understanding of how to do things independently in a way that supports the work of others.
