ECC Directors Blog

Tapping into kids’ unique creative abilities

One of the key components of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is honoring the child as capable and confident. When we look at that through a Jewish lens, we refer to the child as being created b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of God.
We honor children by providing them with materials that are open-ended and give them ample opportunity to use their own imaginations, create their own ideas, and solve their own problems.
Too many commercial toys limit the ways that children play. Blocks are open-ended and empower children to build their own world rather than live in one that we create for them; they are limitless and give children a chance to do their own problem
solving and experience their own accomplishments.
Recently the ECC acquired a wonderful new set of blocks. Imagination Playground blocks are oversized foam blocks formed in unique abstract forms. As their name suggests, they allow children to use their imagination to create their own kind of
playground. In a safe way, children have the chance to control their environment and constantly build new structures.
They discover new ways to use the material and make the most of the experience.
The blocks were purchased with funds collected through our Educational Enhancement Fund. Money raised through donations and our holiday boutique is used to provide the
extras that make our school a special place.
Throughout the year, teachers will closely observe the students playing with the blocks and learn more about how they learn. Online unique professional development provided by Imagination Playground offers guidance to teachers on how to scaffold upon children’s play and provoke them to make new discoveries.
We are excited to bring this wonderful new learning opportunity to our school and give thanks to all the hard-working parents and generous people who helped make it possible.
Just as being created b’tzelem Elokim, in the image of God, gives each child unique creative abilities, so too these new big blue blocks will give us a new way.