What We Did On The Swings In The Weather

It was quite cold and rainy during the week leading up to our holiday break. Which means we played in it. 

(I have to say that I'm sick to tears with children's books that depict glum children behind rain streaked windows who are "stuck" inside because of the weather. If I see another article with tips for parents seeking ways for their children to "blow off steam" without going outdoors, I think I'll scream. I might just go off on the next person who describes weather short of a hurricane as "nasty." And I'm liable to run down the next person who calls me "brave" for bicycle commuting on a stormy day.

Buy some rain gear, for crying out loud. Pull on the longies. Wear a hat and some gloves. It's just water. It's just wind. It's just temperature. It's just weather!

Sorry about that, but it's a rant that's been building up . . .)

As I was saying, we were out playing in the cold rain and one of the most fun things to do in that kind of weather is dodge in and out of shelter, which is why I broke out one of our camping tents. Our 5's class was particularly attracted to it, often managing to sardine up to 10 kids into this two-person tent, bulging the sides until it looked like a giant blue and white beanbag chair stuffed with kittens. 

After awhile, the kids realized they could easily move the tent to wherever they wanted and where they wanted it was under the swing set.

(I have to say I'm sick to tears of hearing about how swing sets are disappearing from playgrounds across the country because they've been deemed "too dangerous." If I have to read another long list of adult-imposed rules about proper swinging, I think I'll scream. I might just go off on the next person who proposes helmets or seat belts. And I'm liable to accidentally-on-purpose knock over the next person who calls us "brave" for letting the kids use the swing set for things other than mere swinging . . . Sorry, that's another one that's been building up . . .)

So then they started gathering up some of the larger loose parts we have around the outdoor classroom, specifically our wooden planks, but also our plastic pipes, caution cones, stick ponies, and slowly rotting wooden blocks.

And they began to build together, creating something that some were calling a "castle," while others were saying, "fort." In any event, they were using it as a particularly wobbly, teeter-y, swingy, ad hoc climbing apparatus, one that clearly would never be permitted in a public park playground.

I stood with William's dad John, reminiscing about how we used to play as boys. He didn't think my pictures could possibly capture the incredible cooperative, risky, constructive, dramatic play we were witnessing. 

He's right, they don't come close, but if you close your eyes and remember what it was like to play with your friends in the weather, whatever weather, you might just capture it for yourself.

I put a lot of time and effort into this blog. If you'd like to support me please consider a small contribution to the cause. Thank you!

-->