Summertime fun!
My youngest daughter made a lovely poster recently and announced to me that the primary purpose of summertime is……. to have lots of fun!! The excitement of summer holidays from primary school is well and truly in the air! The sports days are on and the homework is nearly gone! Sunny days and brighter evenings bring me joy and yes I have to agree with her, I do love the summer!
Being free from the school bell and having downtime is much needed after a busy year of learning in school. Time to rest and to recharge is most welcome not only for children but for everyone! Embracing the space to have free time to create, have fun and play I think is so important for both kids and adults. Play in the summer gives us permission to follow what excites us and allows our creative spirit to explore and soar!
However, juggling daily demands and finding time for free play can be a challenge. How do I begin to find time when everyone and everything around me demands my attention?! I have found that attempts at reducing screen time to engage in active play can help. However, finding fun activities for tactile play at any age can be difficult. For me, this really was the catalyst for the idea of Jigsee. In the midst of battling screen time, I wanted to create something fun yet slightly challenging and where downtime meant being present, relaxed and engaged. With Jigsee I hope to add some positive thinking and a feel good factor to this type of play! It is an ideal way to spend quality time this summer either making Jigsee alone or creating a moment together!
I have learned that free playing takes many forms! Activities depending on age can include… a nature hunt, hide and seek, Stop the bus, drawing, painting, card games, reading, playing shop, jigsaws, puzzles, dancing, writing and acting in a play, playing dress up, music, sport, making a movie just to name a few!
However, sometimes not having a plan is a great plan! I have found that even scheduling nothing and simply being is also a way to allow space for creativity. The more I think about it, I agree with my daughter that summertime is the perfect time to just have some fun!