The Office

On Fridays, the sensory table in the Sunshine classroom is transformed into a working offiice. The children are drawn to this area, where they can try out adult materials and engage in imaginative play with one another. We have gratefully received several phones and keyboards. To these we add sticky pads, index cards, paper clips, string tags, stamp pads, hole punchers, and anything else that can be pilfered from a home or school office. The children's experiences with medical and other offices are evident in their conversations. They love to make appointments, and later cancel or reschedule them. They write out appointment cards for the patients, and add sticky notes to a large office calendar. We try to extend the play and expand the conversation by asking questions; "Would you like to reschedule after your vacation?" The children quickly respond; "Yes, I'll come in after I get back from Florida," and then take the play in new directions guided by their imaginations and interests.