I’ve been doing lots of research and exploring the topic of children’s play and how important it is for them to have free play time where they are able to use their imaginations. What we remember fondly from our own childhood’s and how we used to play as kids has all but disappeared in today’s society. So here are some great websites with wonderful resources to encourage you to stimulate your kids into real “playing”. I have really enjoyed these reads and have instituted a dress up suitcase with a few remnants from the original one which belonged in the garage at my grans house and added a few updates. Maybe the next time you hear “I’m bored” during these school holidays dig out this list for some ideas rather than switching on the tv! Just a thought – use it, don’t use it 🙂

50 ways to explore nature in your own back yard @ Go explore nature
Play based learning philosophy @ Play Based Learning
10 incredible set ups for imaginative play @ Modern Parents Messy Kids
No one will play with me: helping your child make friends @ Childhood 101
The importance of imaginative play @ Child Development Guide
And here are some other great sites which my sister recently shared with me. She is a pre-school teacher so knows her stuff!
Play Create Explore
No Time for Flashcards
Teach your Tot
Let me know if you know of any others.