Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow. —Norman Vincent Peale
Fenced-in play spaces are usually a child care reality, as safety and supervision are high priorities. But, do you see fences as opportunities and tools for discovery or as confining and a barrier to possibilities of the greater beyond? Next time you are outside with toddlers, grab a stick and walk along that chain-link fence. How powerful are that sound and the feeling of vibration! With a fistful of zip ties from the dollar store, what can be affixed to a fence? A three-foot length of rain gutter can provide oodles of experimentation with balls, cars, and water. Secure a collection of pots and pans, and you’ve got some great percussion play. Reach over the fence, and shake hands with possibilities.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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