Never let your schooling interrupt your education.

10 life lessons learned on the playground (& a giveaway!)

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The following is a guest post written by Sarah Olmsted of Imagine Childhood.

I‘ve always thought children are better teachers than yoga instructors. Don’t get me wrong, I love yoga.  It’s something that makes a huge difference in the way I feel on a daily basis. It strengthens my mind, my body, and my spirit. It helps me shake off the worries and cares of my day.  It reminds me to breath deeply and intensionally.

But my yoga instructor still can’t hold a candle to a kid when it comes to teaching me how to be open, present and engaged in my life.  In my experience, children are the definitive authority in this arena.

So, on days when I’m feeling particularly stuck, I tend to gravitate more toward the sandbox than Savasana.

Here are ten life lessons I’ve learned on the playground.

  1. Everyone you meet is a potential friend (no matter how many legs they have)
  2. Spontaneity is a quick way to change up your perspective (especially when it involves climbing trees)
  3. Both caterpillars and butterflies are equally amazing
  4. Getting your hands dirty is a good thing
  5. Circling the same spot over and over can be enlightening
  6. Illogical processes can lead to wonderful discoveries
  7. Every path is worth investigating (even if it leads to nowhere)
  8. The reward of the slide is worth the effort of the climb
  9. Cloud watching is a form of meditation
  10. When all else fails, running through the grass will always make you feel better

Chasing the Magic of Childhood

“Something about the place is familiar, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Off the bat, there aren’t any landmarks or striking features that jog your memory to a specific time or event, but still, it feels like you’ve been there before. The way the trees move when the wind goes through them, the smell of damp earth, the deer trail stretching up the hill—they all point to something you can’t quite reach.

With each step down the path, the colors get richer as the light becomes more and more filtered by the green canopy of aspen leaves above. Under your feet, leaves from seasons past crunch and crackle, and for just a moment, gravity feels different. As if somehow it’s pulling a little less. As if the space between your feet and the ground has widened by the width of a single hair.

With this new sense of gravity, your steps are quicker, more playful than the daily gait you’ve become accustomed to. Their rhythm is a syncopated cousin to the pace you know, to the tempo you’ve settled into after decades of traveling from place to place.

It’s almost as if your feet have a mind of their own, a memory that your brain can’t connect to. They lead you through the woods with a sense of purpose, a directive you can only hope to be clued in on at some point in the near future. Your hands pick up sticks and throw them in the air so your eyes can see them float through the branches, weightless, if only for a millisecond. Your arms pull your body up the trunk of a tree. Your lungs breathe in the scent of leaves and sap.

More and more, you realize you have been here before. Glimpses of faded memories float by your eyes like passing clouds, changing their form with the wind. At first it’s like an old movie, a story you learn as the scenes unfold. Then the characters slowly begin to come into focus—inch by inch, frame by frame.

In the foreground, there’s a small figure wearing a blue shirt and a pair of jeans. It’s running and laughing, building forts from fallen branches, lying in the grass and gazing at clouds. Turning your head, you see the same shapes in the sky. Looking down, you see the same blue shirt.

The faded memories have become focused on the world in front of you. On the grass where you’re sitting. On the landscape of childhood.”

~ From Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play

You have to go away to come back.  I’ve heard that phrase over and over again throughout my life but I don’t think I really felt the full truth of it until I began writing this book.  Until I began wandering through those woods again, until I began playing again.

This is a book of projects, but it’s also a book of experiences.  It’s as much about making and doing as it is about being, but mostly. . .

. . . it’s about living. . .

. . .  in the magic. . .

. . . of childhood.

It’s beautiful here, won’t you come out and play?

IMAGINE CHILDHOOD: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play-  25 Projects that Spark Curiosity and Adventure.

This book is a celebration of childhood through the crafts and activities that invite wonder and play. The twenty-five projects and activities in this book are meant to speak to the way children engage with the world.

These projects are not about what is produced in the end (although that part is fun too) but rather they are stepping-off points—activities that spark curiosity, an adventure, or an investigation.

They’re about the process of getting there. They’re about the conversations that happen while making things together. They’re about getting to know the world inch by inch. They’re about exploring imaginary universes and running through real forests. They’re about living in childhood . . . regardless of your actual age. They’re about being a kid.

Giveaway

Roost Books is generously offering THREE Simple Homeschool readers a copy of Imagine Childhood!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post, answering this question: “What life lesson have you learned from watching your children play?

This giveaway has now ended.

If you’d like two additional ways to enter the giveaway, here’s how:

Additional Entries

1. Follow Imagine Childhood and Simple Homeschool on Pinterest. Then come back and leave an additional comment here, telling me you did so.

2. ‘Like’ Imagine Childhood and Simple Homeschool on Facebook. Then come back here again and leave a comment, telling me you did so.

This giveaway has now ended.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. Cristy S.

    I’ve learned that the world will quickly enough steal the joy of my daughter’s childhood; it’s my job to stall it’s impact as much as I can.

  9. Christie

    My 6 yr old has taught me that new friends can be found ANYWHERE. Over the back fence, at a park, at the drs office, in an airport, in the store etc etc.

  11. Amy S

    I’ve learned how spectacularly delightful and exciting the every-day can be. Those things we take for granted with a la-di-da attitude fill my little ones with glee!

  14. meghann

    I don’t know if it’s a life lesson, but as a parent I’ve learned to back off, step back, and watch; they know so much more than I think they do, and it comes out in their play. I’m always amazed at the things they think of when they are creating these new worlds in their minds. xo
    meghann’s latest post: :: these days ::

  15. Sarah M

    I have learned the lesson that it’s never about the item, it’s about the imagination and creativity of the child. We recently spent about 5 days off the grid in the wilderness and they were playing, literally, from sunup to sundown, of their own discovery and imagination. It was wonderful.
    Sarah M
    Sarah M’s latest post: Visual Monday: Knitting

  19. Emily

    My one-year-old daughter teaches me something new every day! Yesterday she taught me to expect the unexpected.

  28. Rose

    By watching my children play, I have learned to be in the present moment. To not be thinking of the past or the future, but to be dwelling in the moment as it is.

  29. Pam

    I have two boys and energy is an understatement. Watching them play has shown me that there is much peace outdoors for them and me.

  40. ~Heather

    That you can’t always get what you want when you want it. Compromise is sometimes necessary and can yield unknown (but wonderful) results.

  41. Rachel P

    I’ve learned that anything outside is magical- a frosted leaf sparkling in the sun, a rock in the empty lot next door becomes a diamond, a dirt mound is a castle and these things truly take them to a better place in their little minds.

  44. SCham

    My children are teaching me that pure laughter helps you through everything, My oldest son says daily: Breathe Deep, Seek Peace. It helps put things back where the focus should be!

  47. D

    Thanks for the chance to win the book Jamie. Looking forward to reading your most recent book about homeschooling. Thanks for making that free too!

  48. sandy

    I’ve learned that the word, “Hurry” does not belong in my vocabulary unless it is preceded by the word, “No”. That single, five-letter word has the potential to destroy an experience.

  50. Melissa

    That no matter how well I might put together lessons, projects and “learning moments,” they always do a better job of it when let to their own creative play!

  51. Debra

    This looks like a great book and the post is inspiring. Maybe it will bring out my inner child which I so desperately need sometimes.

    • Debra

      And I meant to say that from watching my children play I have learned that time can fly by much too fast. Now I need to learn how to slow it down.

  54. erica

    I “liked” both on FB. Lessons from the playground? What does not look like fun to me is definitely fun for someone else. A stick can lead a group of screaming children in any directions simply by being held by “the leader” of that moment. A playstructure can be a spaceship, a cave, a hideout, a castle, the grocery store. A razor scooter can be dragged up to the top of a slide by a 2-year-old and it can be sent down the slide, as well, while the child squeals with delight at the top of the slide.

  56. Stacey K

    One lesson I’ve definitely seen again and again is forgiveness and reconciliation are easy with a kind gesture and a willingness to put things in the past.

  60. Alicia

    I am still learning to stop and enjoy the moment, because our little ones will grow up before we know it!

  64. pepper

    Love this! I’ve learned how important it is to help some children ease into play (like my son who is terrified of pretend play) It’s been an interesting lesson. He has taught me a lot about thinking differently and trying again and again and again.
    pepper’s latest post: plan for tomorrow morning

  65. Roxy

    Great book! Those child-taught lessons are certainly abundant – I think the one that strikes me know us how willing they are to forgive . . . Both fellow peers and adults. (like moms.)

  67. Jessica

    I’ve learned that it is equally enjoyable (for both of us!) when I join in and also when I sit back and watch!

  68. Sam

    I have learned to SLOW DOWN and enjoy the moment!!!! That is more important than getting to the destination. Thanks

  70. samW

    I just love watching my daughter & how lovingly gentle she is with all critters, from the little fuzzy caterpillar, all the way up to the cows in the pasture!

  71. Holli

    My children have reminded me how to live. How to live in the small moments that make life worth it. They remind me of the simple pleasures of just letting things go and watch as things unfold (like the path of a bug or the bloom of a flower).

  73. sarah

    Wow! This looks great! Ive learned that simple is far better! My son never seems to be interested in his expensive toys, but give him some rocks ans sticks and he is happy all day. This is something we should translate in the adult life as well. find happiness in the simple

  76. Courtney

    When I watch my children play, whether with Legos or action figures, inside or outside, or “a game with us in it,” I learn that there is always more to the story. Problems can be solved, trouble is an adventure, and bad guys can change. Endless possibilities…

  78. Becky Emter

    This is exactly how I feel when I get to hike through any wilderness area. I feel like me again. The me I was a long time ago. I would love to share the activities in this book with my kids.

  86. Heather J

    I have learned that so much learning and communication skills come from play! I love watching my children act out scenes, work out problems and grow their imaginations while playing. All without being told what to do. If adults look at the world as children do, the world would be a better place!

  94. Rita

    You are a wonderful writer! Your description carried me straight back to my memories of walking through the woods as a child. The desire to share these joyful experiences with my children on a daily basis, is one of the main reasons I have chosen to homeschool. Now, I just need to remember to slow down and let these experiences come, instead of trying so hard to turn everything into a “lesson”. Curious children learn naturally. Thanks for the reminder!

  97. Stefanie

    I love watching my children play…I feel like true play is the slight of life – and teaches us all to delight in the moment we are in. When I see my daughter act-out a story or my son wield his paper towel roll sword, I see them living fully in the middle of their day – all other cares forgotten. And it reminds me…leave the to-do list at least for a moment and jump in. I love it.

  99. Devoni

    A life lesson I’ve learned by watching my children play: the sheer joy of just allowing oneself to “be.” Children open our adult eyes to things we have forgotten. While we concern ourselves with responsibilities like laundry, the next meal to prepare, chores, etc., our children point out to us the beauty that surrounds us – shapes in the clouds, the fall leaves fluttering to the ground (and the happiness you feel when you crunch through them), crouching on the sidewalk to watch a bug go about his daily activities, jumping on the trampoline until you’re laughing so hard you can’t jump anymore…. I’m so thankful to God for giving me children to help me remember the simple joys of life!

  101. Kel

    I’ve learned that life flies by much too quickly, and I need to enjoy my kids at each and every stage of life.

  108. Claire

    One of the many life lessons I’ve learned from watching my child play is any space is interesting: the corner of a cell phone store, the alleyway of a inner city neighborhood, the shore of a pond, the base of a tree, the nook of a room.
    Claire’s latest post: Catalog Copy.

  109. beth

    I have learned to be free and to be authentically me. I watch my girls learn, grow and create through play. Pouring out all they have within without all the walls, fears and intimidation I do. They have taught me how to heal through play.
    I dont have facebook but follow on Pinterest!

  113. Glory

    I’ve learned that they don’t need me to teach them everything or solve every problem but instead to get out of their way and let them discover their own games, discover their own (endless) curiosities, and let them solve their own problems.
    Glory’s latest post: What’s Off My Bookshelf?

  116. sara

    i have learnd to be completely silly and laugh lots from playing with ky children. it is so freeing to let go of appearances and adult behavior and just embrace joy.

  118. Amanda Babcock

    Watching my children play, has been by far, the best way to figure out the individual ways that each child learns.

  123. Katie T.

    I’ve learned from my kids that nothing is what it “seems” – i.e. couch cushions are actually the building blocks of a castle or a mighty mountain. : )

  125. Kristina

    There hasn’t been a lot of time in my home to allow me to read many blog posts lately. However, I read this one twice! How inspiring. I often feel so guilty for not being “present” with my children when I know they are growing up so fast. This post is just what I needed to get me to slow down and take notice. A perfect wake-up call! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! P.S. Your pinterest boards are wonderful sources of inspiration, too. I’m looking forward to seeing your updates!

  127. Christina B.

    When watching my girls play together I have learned that great adventures can be had even in the smallest of backyards. That play is the “work” of children and they are practicing and working out so many things they see the adults around them do.

  129. Kim

    Ooh, I’d love to read this!

    One I learned recently from my 14-month-old is that you don’t have to let anyone else tell you the right way to think. I look at a toy and see one “intended” use for it, she sees an endless list of things to explore. Love it.

  130. Amber

    My kids have taught me to be present in the moment/environment which is something I am continually striving to achieve. How many times do our kids point out something that we as adults hear or see but quickly dismiss … the sound of a train in the distance, an ant crawling on an ant hill … I now try to see and hear and absorb/enjoy these simple things just like my kids do 🙂

  138. Kirsty

    I have learned that I cannot force my son to play a certain way. I get so OCD at times with the way I think that things need to be done, that I think I can ruin the creativity that he has. So I have learned to relax and let him explore, learn and grow – and at times make mistakes so that he can learn from them.

  144. Grace

    I learned that time is not a limit when you use your imagination & creativity. My son can play for hrs in the wood, with just stick – pretend to be someone or something. I think as adults, we use technology too much to entertain us – while the nature, creativity and imagination is the best way to entertain us instead.

  146. Joy

    I’ve learned that persistence is the key to mastering any skill – even if you are just walking up and down a single step…

  147. Shelly Smith

    A life lesson I have learned from watching my boys play is… teamwork not only makes a task EASIER, it also makes it more enjoyable!

  150. Beth

    My life lesson learned from our son: The most mundane tasks are so much more fun when you do them in the context of play. For example, fold laundry, place it into the bed of a toy truck, have a stuffed animal “drive” the laundry to the appropriate dresser, and repeat until the wash basket is emptied.

  151. MHowe

    I have learned to love more deeply than I ever though was possible before having kids. I have also learned to see the world in a new way. That you have to question everything. Finally, I have learned to name pretty much every truck imaginable which is not a skill I ever thought I would need :-).

  153. Jasie

    I have learned that anything can become something else with imagination. And that it is fun to carry little things around with you!

  155. Alissa

    I am LEARNING (always learning it seems) to tackle projects or follow passions when inspiration strikes instead of waiting to get all the plans in place. My kids get an idea for a project or play activity and they take off, never worrying about whether all the supplies or materials are available – instead, they improvise along the way. I need more of that mentality in my life!

  164. Ellen

    I have learned to SLOW DOWN. And to listen, because if I don’t listen when they are ready, I won’t hear it.

  172. Crafty Mama

    I’ve learned how much of their lives revolve around play, and how important it is for them to play. A lot of things they learn throughout the day are practiced when they play, especially sharing. 🙂

  177. Cheryl

    I have learned to take a deep breath and enjoy playing WITH my son, instead of trying to get him to go in the direction I think play should be.

  180. Allison

    I’ve learned to pay attention to the lite things- the tiny bugs, the wind rustling the leaves and rely delight in them.
    I follow both on fb.

  183. Andrea

    I have learned that we were designed by God to play, create, and enjoy life. What I deem as so important is not actually that important at all. Playing is learning. My kids have amazing imaginations because they have been allowed the time to foster their creative side through outdoor play.

  184. Gwen

    I have learned never to underestimate anyone, never to assume I know what they do and do not understand, and therefore to think the best of people. My daughter continually surprises me with what she can do.

  187. Penny

    No offense–This is kind of a disappointing website. I was under the impression that this Homeschooling site was established to discuss methods of teaching your children the importance of learning academics, such as math, reading, etc. I don’t want another website that teaches how to explore nature and make even more arts and crafts (that will eventually end up in the garbage). I was expecting copies of worksheets, different teaching methods and links to websites for such, and maybe some fun word problems. I was wrong. Again, no offense: I will just find somewhere else to go. Much success and love to you and your family.

  189. Steph J

    I have learned that exploring is so much more fun if I know I have a secure base to which I can return, and rainy days can be fun you’ve got the right boots–prepare for and embrace the disappointments!

  196. Joellen

    I have learned that the coolest discoveries come when we set aside the electronic gadgets and fancy toys and get outside.

  198. Erin

    I have learned that you enjoy life so much more when you truly focus on what you are doing IN THE MOMENT. Rather than worrying about what else there is to be doing at any given time, children put all of their energy into what they are doing in the here and now. It’s much easier said than done, but when I make a conscious effort to enjoy what I’m doing, rather than think about what else needs to be done, I realize why young children are naturally so happy.

  204. dawn finch

    I have learned thatypu don’t always have to be perfect. having fun can be messy and that is ok

  205. Amber

    As I watch my children I am often in awe of their ability to forgive so quickly & sincerely & then continue in their play. What a life lesson to the adults in their lives! 🙂

  207. Amy

    I have learned from my daughter that just because something is familiar, that doesn’t mean it is boring. Finding new joy in the daily routines (or favorite toys) is a great lesson in contentment that she has shared with me (albeit, unknowingly!).

  209. Kimberly R.

    I have learned from my daughter that even things I thought I knew about…I am seeing them in a new light, through her eyes.

  210. Katrina

    Favourite life lesson I learned from my kids playing is tha there’s always time for a hug or a kiss!

  212. Lorinda Davis

    I’ve learned from watching my kids that everyone has a different way of interacting with people and that it’s ok to be yourself: whether shy, outgoing, serious, gregarious, loud, or imaginative.

  223. Rebecca

    I’ve learned the importance of letting go and the joy and intense learning that can result from a little (okay alot) of dirt and water.

  231. Anne

    I now have 4 children ages 6 and under. With my first, I was so worried about the mess that I never let him feed himself/dig in the mud/paint free-spiritedly. As more came along and the mess multiplied I learned to relax and enjoy the joyful exploration and learning that comes with those untidy things. Luckily for my first, the next ones came along pretty quickly so he didn’t have to spend too much time mess-less!

  241. Patricia

    I’ve learned the lesson of simplicity, when a child plays, they teach themselves that a simple object can become the most important thing, for it can become almost anything. As we grow older, we look at the more elaborate, the more “glitzy”, the more intricate, as being the best of the best. A child learns that a simple object IS the best of the best. We need to strip away the glitz, the hype, the coverings to find that we already have the best of the best, right in front of us. I remember Cinderella when the mice are transformed into the beautiful horses for her carriage – its in how you look at the simple that defines how you look at the glitz.

  245. Christie

    The lesson I have learned from watching my children play is really just to slow down and enjoy everything more. It seems so simple, yet so hard.

  246. Kayla

    I don’t have children of my own yet (one month to go!), but I am around children a lot and have learned how much easier life is when you forgive and forget. People are always going to hurt your feelings whether they mean to or not, and children are such a good example of how to move on and keep enjoying life.

  249. Naomi

    I’ve learned the beauty of a quiet mind and a peaceful heart. Keeping life slow so that my children can have this has taught me the immense importance of these states of being.

  250. Alisha

    I’ve learned how HARD simple things can be. Did you know that if you push a train from the caboose, rather than pulling on the engine, it buckles, jumps the track, and falls over? I don’t remember not knowing that, but it’s what my son is wrestling with right now. He’s two.
    Alisha’s latest post: Dress-up

  254. sacha

    I have learned how two people can really build off of one another to create something entirely unique- a favorite game being “hotel” in which my daughter can put the babies to bed and my son can organize the restaurant, make menus…

  255. Elisha

    My children have taught me that its not the best toys that create fun, its the presence of each other who create the most memorable play times… Being present is all they really need!