References were made to theorist Jerome Bruner’s Framework of the Paradigmatic and Narrative Modes. “The essence of creativity is figuring out how to use what you already know in order to go beyond what you already think.”
Ongoing project work from the children at the lab school “The Case of the Jelly Bean Creature” was highlighted and illustrated the concept of storyplay beautifully.
Meeting attendees were allowed to create their own ‘creature’ by using clay as the medium. Using their own imagination their stories unfolded as they shared in this creative format.
Why is storyplay important?
- Allows their imagination to grow
- The child is at the center of the curriculum making providing empowerment
- Provides a safe platform for children to become vulnerable and develop a sense of trust (within himself and with others)
- Supports their communication skills
- Builds relationships and empathy
- Collaborative Thinking / Understanding different perspectives
- Child becomes visible; important
“Pretend often confuses the adults but it is the child’s real and serious world: the stage upon which any identity is possible and secret thoughts can be safely revealed.” Vivian Paley Author of “The Boy Who would be a Helicopter”
Educators provide prompts such as “Can you tell me a story about what you are working on?”
Other steps:
- Provide a space for this storyplay to happen with beautiful and intentional materials
- Listen carefully
- Write down what the child is saying and read it back to them (demonstrating the power of the child’s voice)
- Remember that EVERYONE has a story! Do not judge and don’t forget stories take time.
Wondering with Children: The Importance of Observation in Early Education – George Forman and Ellen Hall
Reading the Intentionality of Young Children – George Forman
A Child’s Work – Vivian Gussin Paley
Voices of Early Childhood Educators - Susan Bernheimer
Thank you Fullerton College Lab School. We look forward to more dialogue about this subject matter!