“Maman let’s go to the beach!”, exclaims my daughter. We’ve just had breakfast and a long list of household chores is looming before me. “Pleeeeeeease”, she begs, sensing my indecision. My boys are rushing for swim suits and towels before I can think of a reply. I’m a bit sluggish in the morning; it doesn’t help that I don’t drink coffee. “C’mon Mom!” encourages my oldest son, practically pushing me out the door. “We want to play!” And just like that I’m caught up in the flurry and excitement of my kids as they barrel down to the beach. As I sit near the water I watch them with a sense of wonder. We didn’t bring any beach toys (having been lost and broken long ago) but they don’t mind. Instead my children are drawn to the water, sand, driftwood and rocks. These things fully captivate them for hours as they build castles, make moats, splash in the water, collect rocks and search for treasure. Before the advent of cheap, mass produced toys, children turned to whatever was available in nature and around their homes for toys. A stick became a sword, a collection of rocks a treasure beyond compare, … Continue reading Using Loose Parts for Free Play