Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
In simpler times, kids waited with bated breath for the phrase, “Time to go outside!”
Equipped with their imagination, kids could break free from the imposed chains of chores or schoolwork to be free to create life on their terms.
Enter the sandbox, a simple square or rectangular structure filled with sand enticing kids to use every one of their five senses in their recipe for fun.
No WIFI required.
Imagination in the Sand –
The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization — L. Frank Baum
Who knew a kid’s education continued on the playground with Mother Nature as their teacher?
Multisensory experiences open up with a pail and a shovel in the sand box; add some water and they’re creating blueprints of shapes and structures generated by their imagination.
If they’re unable to secure a pail and shovel, they can seek out an empty flowerpot and plastic cup.
Some of the greatest innovators of our time started out in sandboxes.
Socialization occurs in a sandbox.
If kids find themselves in a sandbox with others, they learn quickly to collaborate with their peers by playing nice and sharing through communication, listening and cooperating, all key in the development of their emotional intelligence.
Part of the reason we chose to live in Matagorda once our kids were grown, was the proximity to the beach and it being exponentially larger than any sandbox we ever played in as kids.
As adults, we’re still confined to chores and work, but we start to feel a subtle tingle of excitement as we put away the lawnmower and close our computer.
In other words, the proverbial kid in all of us still waits with bated breath until our schedule is cleared so we can embrace the joy of going to the beach and playing in the sand.
The difference at this age, we’re fully aware of how healing it is for our body and soul.
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com