I've been in design mode, a response to the many "stupid" toys out on the child market. This is something I have noticed more of as many don't think of play as learning. At early ages, toys develop tactile motor functions. These skills pave the way for the interjection of creative play, something I have been learning a TON about...

SO COOL, I wish I would have thought of this...

Creative play is a lost art form. Much of today's play revolves around a gaming system or the internet. While these can be creative learning tools, much of the time they are used as a way to entertain (ie keep kids busy, allowing mom to do what she wants to do). This is creating a new type of child, one that lacks creativity, imagination and inventiveness. I believe all of these ingredients play apart in shaping the senses, providing rich and creative thought processes that last a lifetime.

My friend Alex showed me this book, and I am totally onboard with it. Its called the Dangerous Book for Boys, a step by step process that encourages creative play. This book is how many of us lived our childhood out. Thank you Nintendo for robbing kids of creative play. Well, there is hope now! Making slingshots, bow and arrows, go karts, etc, was an active part of DOING, something kids today just aren't on board with. Check out the website... www.dangerousbookforboys.com for more information.

Doing my part to keep the creative juices flowing!