Wild Rumpus, Week 6: "The most fun I've had since my birthday party" (actual child quote)

It was our rainiest day ever.  Luckily, it was dry when we unloaded the trailer and it had stopped raining by the time we loaded up, but in the middle?  Well, just take a look.

During the brief time of dry weather at the beginning of the program, this kiddo decided to try her hole and tunnel digging project from last week again.  I asked her if the holes in the middle of the tunnel were to help her clear the dirt from the middle section and she said those were actually just accidental (but apparently they were quite strong!).

 

Here's her play story from last week and then this week:

 

We also started something new recently -- a pop-up shelter tent for the Play Stories, to make them more eye-catching and more apparently a significant element of the program.  The signs were new this week and the tent was a big hit!

 

And then.... the rains came down!  Some kids chose to go ahead and play in the downpour:

 Others came inside the shelter area and played with blocks.

 And then the rain started flooding the shelter.

 We didn't want the blocks to get soaked, so we picked them up quickly and put them back on the carts.

 One kiddo decided to build a dam.

 And then, we he felt safe from the encroaching water, built himself a chair.

 Which soon turned into a bed.

 From inside the shelter looking out:

 She was so proud to be up so high all by herself!  (check out all the grown-ups looking out at the rain.)

 

From outside the shelter looking in:

Many kids decided to just revel in the rain:

 Love the joy on her face!

 

This might be my favorite use of the inflatable innertubes so far:

 Boats!  There's even an oar!

 This guy didn't want to get wet, so he was being very careful about how he got onto the innertube.  Note the stabilizing use of a ladder as a seat.

 Or just use the shovel to dig up water.

 I had no idea these two pieces would fit together so nicely!

 Volunteering to help "Clean" the tent.

 When the rain died down another few families joined us with the clever accessory of RAINBOOTS!

 These are "watercakes."

 I didn't talk to this kiddo about their play story, but ... i think I know what it might be.

 Love the rain and the fancy dress in this drawing.

 

Remember last year's "M" drawing?  Here's 2.0.

All in all, it wasn't a huge crowd, but the dedicated fans who showed up had an absolute blast.  Even if they did get a little chilly when they were soaked to the skin and had to be wrapped up in our play bedsheets!

Parent reflection for today:

Please note: "Anji Play,” refers to a specific philosophy and comprehensive approach to early education developed by Ms. Cheng Xueqin in Anji County, China. I use the term "Anji Play" to describe my programming and throughout this blog with the explicit permission of Ms. Cheng because our programming has been developed as part of a close collaborative relationship with her and her team of Anji Play educators. If you are interested in learning more about how you can bring Anji Play to your community, please visit www.anjiplay.com