Viv, youzzz muhhh girl
After reading this article, I had a very positive response as I have gotten the chance to really study Vivian Paley's pedagogy in my past academic courses. I absolutely love the fact that Paley's curriculum consists of allowing the child to first dictate his or her OWN story to the teacher, and then the class is given the opportunity to join in, as this story is then dictated to the class. This involvement within dramatizations is so fascinating to me, as it is truly amazing how such action can really allow a child to develop in numerous areas. Giving a child a leadership role, allowing them to express their emotions, and setting free their creativity is what Paley is all about, and I too, stand behind this designed curriculum full-heartily, as it has proven to enhance every child's academic experiences. Additionally, this article tied into what we talked about last week, regarding capitalizing on your students interests. Allow them to incorporate what is of importance to them! Give meaning to wanting to work out their problems, and their past experiences, and allow them to invent new scenarios that they have once imagined.
Paley suggests that we should us storytelling as an extension of play, allowing all areas to develop, and build upon previous knowledge. Make them ask questions, and find meaning in their play. Making these connections is what Paley is all about. She does not want us to look at play as a transition activity, or a time filler, she wants us to look at play as an opportunity to allow our students to soar, invent, and create. This is a time where language is developed. Where children are given the CHANCE to verbally and emotionally express themselves. They will develop dictation, and oral language. They will enhance their vocabulary and sentence structure. They will begin to realize how stories develop, and how to use their imagination to make the story go even further. They will develop a sense for reading for meaning, and be able to make their text match their intentions.
NOW ADMINISTRATION....!!! Is play really useless like you think it is?? does it really not have any developmental or literacy value??? -------That is all BS! What I stated above is proof of why play should be incorporated within every classroom, and why administration, everywhere, needs to get off their high horses and take a moment to realize the true benefits that play has to offer our children! And now it is up to us as teachers, to stand behind these ideals, and allow our children to experience both holistic learning experiences and innumerable academic opportunities.