Tweak Your Child's Imagination…and Yours Too!
Anne of Green Gables said this about the importance of having an imagination: "Isn't it fortunate I've got such an imagination? It will help me through splendidly, I expect." And, if you will recall L.M Montgomery's story of the impetuous young orphan, you will remember that Anne's vivid imagination gets her into plenty of trouble, but it is that same trait that helps her to overcome life's difficulties.
Children seem to use their imaginations instinctively, but we adults are sometimes too busy to allow ourselves this luxury. Here are some ways you can help your child tweak his imagination and yours too:
Listen to classical music
Close your eyes and imagine a story to go along with the music. Does the music remind you of a scary story? A circus story with dancing bears? A beautiful serene garden? Encourage your child to listen closely.
Act out a play
Let your child make up a play and direct the action. Use dolls, Leggo® people, puppets, or make simple costumes for yourselves using things found around the house.
Watch clouds go by
Most of us remember lazy days lying on the grass looking up at cloud formations. It was fun to imagine a horse galloping across the sky, or a man's face with a big nose, or…you get the picture.
Make a tent city in your living room
Use sheets over tops of chairs and tables for hours of imaginary play. Your child can pretend he is a cave explorer or a camper in the woods. You probably will not have any trouble coaxing your child to take a nap if he is allowed to sleep under the tent.
Play "Restaurant"
Use your ironing board (lowered to your child's height) as the counter where customers can order their favorite foods. Provide your child with slices of cheese, pieces of fruit, and whatever else your child wishes to serve in his restaurant.
Bring out the artist in your child
Draw a simple shape on a piece of paper. Ask your child to complete the picture. For instance, if you draw a rectangle, your child might use that shape to draw a house. In turn, you might use that same shape to draw a bus. This is an enjoyable activity to do with a group.
Complete the story and make a memory
This is similar to the above exercise and is fun for kids of all ages. It is also an enjoyable way for a grandparent to get involved. Ask the grandparent to start a story. The length and complexity of the story will depend upon the ability of the child. The child will then pick up the story where the grandparent leaves off and finish it. Young children can dictate their portion of the story to mom. If your child enjoys this activity, encourage him to start a story for grandma and allow her to come up with the happy ending. Keep completed stories in a three-ring binder for years of enjoyable reading, and don't forget to send grandma a copy of her own.
Make an audiotape
Children enjoy listening to tapes while playing quietly in their rooms or having their rest-time. A tape will be more interesting if it has the voices of friends and family members reading poetry, singing songs, and reading stories.
Tweak your own imagination. Watch elephant-shaped clouds float across the sky or order a gourmet meal from your favorite little restaurateur. Like Anne of Green Gables says, "You don't know what's going to happen through the day and there's so much scope for imagination.
Austine Keller is a homeschooling mom and a freelance writer living in Tampa, Florida
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