Scott Wiley: Let's Play

I love kids' play. Play is the work of childhood. Through play and exploration, kids discover how the world works. Their understanding grows little by little ("brick by brick") into a foundation for greater learning. But children's play takes stuff - yes, their imaginations are powerful, but play is enhanced with fun materials.

So I have a lot of stuff. (I think all teachers are collectors of stuff.) But buying play materials can get expensive. So I like to repurpose materials - use (inexpensive) materials in different ways. I like to recycle/reuse materials - use items that would normally be thrown away. In fact I have D.S.D.D. (and maybe you do, too). So, I thought I would share with you three of my favorite repurposed/recycled items.

Oil Drip Pan - You can find this item in an auto supply area of a discount store or in an auto supply store. I found mine at Walmart. This pan makes a great magnet board for all kinds of activities. (You can also tape things to it and create a moveable "bulletin board.")

Bottle Lids - I began collecting lids months ago, for no particular purpose. We've used them for counters, game pieces, and building accessories. Lids can supplement all kinds of activities.

Tall Container - I don't know what these containers were intended for. In fact, I bought them because they were on sale at the craft store. But we now use them as mini trash cans. Anytime we use stickers or cut paper, we put the mini trash cans on the table. Kids have a place to put small paper scraps or sticker backings. Clean up is so much easier. (You could use any type of container for a mini trash can.)

I look forward to being a part of this great collaborative blog. I think we'll have a good time playing (and repurposing) together.

My name is Scott, though most call me Mr. Scott. I love teaching preschoolers and kindergartners. I have been working with kids for over 25 years. I've been a teacher, preschool center director, volunteer, curriculum writer and editor, and workshop and conference leader. I blog at Brick by Brick.