Initially, I was interested in the Waldorf philosophy with regards to its arts education. I didn't think I was doing a good job of relating my interest in creative endeavors to Ronan.
Now that I've created a more welcoming arts atmosphere, Ronan has been much more receptive to free drawing and coloring. But, there has been an added benefit to all of my research on Steiner and the Waldorf Philosophy. I've realized the joy in imaginary play. (Ronan, being three, has known about this joy all along).
Creative play is not something that comes easy to me. I think that I may be drawn to the Montessori philosophy because it is quite concrete and practical. But, I've also read the research that says how important unstructured play is to children. It can help them work out problems or scary situations, as well as reinforcing ideal behaviors, such as being gentle with new babies.
I just finished reading this book, and I devoured it in a matter of days. She pretty much sums up our parenting style and discusses a lot of the ways children use play to work through social situations. Much of her philosophy, I have discovered from Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids, Lost Child in the Woods, and the Positive Disciple books by Jane Nelsen. Taking Back Childhood offers the best from all of these worlds.
(That would be a G-diaper insert and some handmade bean bags)
For me, imaginary play comes easily when it is something I can wrap my head around (using a previous story as a starting point or a real-life situation). Apparently, it's a good starting point for Ronan too.
Upon returning from my prenatal visit, Ronan and I spend over an hour playing doctor. He took my blood pressure - multiple times - and on both arms simultaneously. (Trust me, that was a picture I wish I could have gotten).
Then he measured my belly- at first with a pretend measuring tape and then he found my dressmaker's tape (hidden in his room?). I was declared quite fit, especially once he listened to the baby's heartbeat.
And, this is where I could personally see the value in this type of play. At my visit, Ronan covers his ears when they use the doppler. I'm guessing it might be too loud, but at home, he made the sound of the heartbeat and was quite thrilled to hear the baby.
We will definitely be using play as a way to discuss social situations. At this age, there is only so much listening a child can comprehend.
Have a wonderful weekend!