Fantasy in Real Life

Written by: Andrew

Escaping reality is something we all love to do. Movies, TV, or books are ways we do this but to children it’s more commonly seen in their dramatic play. We’ve all seen the usual playing house or taking the role of community characters such as construction crews or firefighters but what about taking this play to a whole new level. Fantasy genre is one such area that often gets overlooked bringing with it an endless supply of ideas to bring to life. 

Our Eagle room as an example, started with a topic of space. Normally some dress up clothes or a few items around the room act as props for the desired play. Then again why not add lights, cardboard, paint and tin foil and suddenly our kitchen area transforms into a fully operational space centre. Now with a greater visual concept, the children can then continue to add to their fresh new environment while expanding their imaginative play. This idea also expanded play to a centre wide gym experience where each room was able to enjoy a space themed set up hosted by the Eagles team.

During December, the children had their new plan all ready to go. It’s one thing to be able to pretend to visit the North Pole, but it’s another to build a workshop and walk through its front door. By providing this extra element of their play, it takes them out of the day to day environment of the room and transports them to a place of fully realized learning and exploration.

To have a great idea is amazing but to see that idea brought to life with a dash of fantasy in the mix can be out of this world.