This was, of course, silly. I know what my two-and-half-year old wants; it's just that it can't be shipped to my parents' doorstep tomorrow. The perfect gift for my toddler would be endless time to jump in ankle-deep, sloppy mud puddles, and the opportunity to plug and unplug the extension cord in the dining room without his mother's panicked interruption. His favorite thing last Christmas? Empty boxes that he could wear, climb into, and stack once he'd gotten all the toys out of the way.
Friends School Haverford teachers know that children thrive on discovery and exploration, not on things, and this is part of what makes our early childhood program a truly remarkable experience. Our Heritage House teachers remind us all that children learn best when they play, and when they have an active role to play in constructing their learning. In a sensory and experience-rich environment, children are guided by their interests and make choices that speak volumes about the individuals they're becoming. The natural world serves as the original maker space where children can build, explore, and create. Any particular toy is only as important as the interaction between the two children (not) sharing it or the experiments one child does with it.
While it can be one of the harder principles of Quaker belief to understand, simplicity serves as a guide at FSH as we think about what children need to learn. As it turns out, what they most need is relationships with other people--a trusted teacher, a group of caring classmates, and a community of passionate about play-based learning. They learn best by doing, whether that means trekking off to Haverford College or making muffins to share with their middle school partners. Leaning in to make discoveries and ask questions requires nothing more than curiosity. Children learn best when they are unfettered by things and are given the time and space to observe, question, and reimagine the world around them.
During Winter Break, I hope you have time to put time with your children first, as well as a chance to spend time together without a screen or a toy. Crawl inside a cardboard box or jump in some puddles-- you'll be reminded that you can learn volumes alongside your child.