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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 8 Volume II, Issue XIII 1 July 2000 The Power of Play Have you ever heard someone remark about an early childhood program—even ours, perhaps—“All the children do there is play?” At good early childhood programs there is a lot of play—and there should be! Years of research on children’s learning and development document the many benefits of play for children’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and language development. Children at play are actively involved in creating themes, exploring and establishing environments, solving problems, and developing shared understandings. Children play in many ways. They play independently, sometimes near each other but with each child engrossed in his own activity. They engage in what is called “parallel play,” perhaps using each other’s toys or even talking, but not coordinating their play. They also play cooperatively, organizing roles and scenarios for group play. As they get older, children are capable of more cooperative, coordinated play. But all kinds of play are valuable. Feng Shui As kids play with each other, they learn to see other children’s points of view and begin to become more empathetic and caring. They come to understand customs and rules in their own culture and to appreciate those of others. They learn to use language in new ways to describe their play and to interact with others. And in play, children develop their muscles and coordination. Adults support children’s play by providing space, opportunity, and materials. We set up areas where kids can ply without fear of damaging furniture or injuring themselves. We make sure that they have the time to choose and to become engaged in their own play activities. And when we provide them with simple, interesting materials—no newfangled, expensive gadgets required—kids take it from there. Play is fun. But it also is serious business that pays big dividends to its eager, young investors. This article is provided courtesy of Old Firehouse Child Care from the Family-Friendly Communication for Early Childhood Programs - NAEYC. Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $15.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 Summer Program Fun! Camp Adventure lay er Py t a W Da ft Crays a D Computer Classes Offered by Discovery Computer Fiel By Shelly Hanson Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) is a Chinese art and science of environmental placement that brings a home or office into balance therefore, bringing the people who live in that environment into balance. The translation of Feng Shui is wing and water. Meaning seen forces working with the unseen forces. Think of a wind chime. We can physically see the wind chime, yet we can’t physically see what makes it move in order to hear the sound. We know, of course, it is the wind, yet we can’t physically see it. Our environment is a reflection of who we are, and also, who we are— physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is reflected into our environment, a kind of cause and effect that is happening all the time. Our environment is always changing because we are always changing. The purpose of Feng Shui is about being conscious of what is being created in our environment and how it is being manifested in our life. Feng Shui uses many tools to help understand the environment. There is the Yin and Yang, which deals with two extremes. By bringing the two together we can bring about a beautiful balance. There are the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are made up of all the physical properties that surround us, and we are most comfortable when all of these five elements are present. Then there is the Bagua (ba gwa), which was generated from the Chinese book, The I Ching (book of changes). The Bagua represents 9 areas in our lives such as: career, self-development, family, wealth, reputation, love & marriage, creativity, synchronicity, and health. The Bagua is used as a map or grid to place over a home or office giving each area meaning. Then by applying the correct enhancements and cures with intent, change starts to take place. The home or business may also have items that represent symbolic meaning—meaning that can have a positive effect or a not so positive effect. For example, people who are single having a hard time finding that right partner, may have art that depicts single lonely people. Or those who feel like they have no time, may find clocks through out their house that don’t work, representing “no time.” I have found that the same symbol, such as a broken clock, can represent different meanings to different people. Therefore, intuition plays a very import part in helping people understand their environment. The challenge of Feng Shui is not only being able to see your environment in a whole new light, but also being able to feel what it is your environment is saying. Note: If you would like to learn more about Feng Shui, please call 801-7450619. d Tr ips Surf ing Fun Sunshin Wee k e Trusted Name In Preschool and Childcare Serving Ogden Valley Families Since 1996 Panthers: 5 - 12years old Tigers: 4 year olds Bears: 2 and 3 year olds Various packages to choose from: 1/2 days, full days, daily, weekly and monthly rates available. Awesome activities including weekly themes, terrific workshops, field trips, waterplay, arts and crafts, science projects, cooking experiences and much more!! FUN! FUN! FUN! Registration begins May 1st. Limited Space Available. Call Today 745-5600 Computer Discovery - Your Mobile Computer Service Summer Computer Classes for: Preschool & School Aged Kids Helping Build your Child’s Future!! Colors, Letters, Numbers, Shapes Math & Reading Skills Beginning to Advanced History, Science, Geography, Spanish Keyboarding & More... Summer Course $63.00 per child (reg. $75) OR $22 monthly - Now at Old Firehouse Child Care For Questions or Details Call Sheri: 589-11515 or 731-66013 |