Then, I read the excerpt from NPR. "According to Berk, one reason make-believe is such a powerful tool for building self-discipline is because during make-believe, children engage in what's called private speech: They talk to themselves about what they are going to do and how they are going to do it." That is so powerful. And i promise to let them play for just a little bit longer next time.
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| Riette & Isabell are happy that Dr. Usher assigned the excerpt from NPR. |
Self-regulation is an important notion for Vygotsky. He believed that self-regulation gave children opportunites to make choices and decisions to make rules within their zone of proximal development. As a mother, I am enjoying this 'zone' immensely, and often ponder how long will it last?
Hi Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post as you connected it so well to your personal experience watching your girls learn through play. I do not have children, but this podcast resonated with me, as well. I grew up on a farm where my dad farmed. Needless to say, we were a family that was not able to afford the coolest toys. However, I look back fondly on the times we used boxes to construct forts or as sleds. I can remember being an illiterate teacher at the age of four teaching my stuffed animals how to read. I agree, I believe those moments are precious. As a parent, how do you engage with your children as they play? Do you find yourself guiding (as Piaget would say) or do you feel that it is best to watch them learn and make connections on their own?