Thinking outside of the box Thursdays: Is bare feet play supported in your play spaces?
Given there are several benefits of playing in bare feet (e.g., enhanced sensory experiences, strength and balance), are children supported in playing in bare feet in your workplace, indoors and/or outdoors? Why or why not?
How can we advocate for bare feet
play?
This one intrigues me, as I love being barefoot in my own yard... until I step onto (or into!) something undesirable. We have turf grass, rubber-sealed woodchip-looking (I assume it was to add some pizzazz to our yard) and black rubber surface everywhere else. In the heat, the black rubber is VERY hot, and we cannot have the children barefoot even when playing in a sprinkler. What suggestions for those who also worry about slivers or cuts on the feet from sharp rocks, other objects that may be under sand/grass do you have?
ReplyDeleteI'd rely on the bare foot literature - yes surfaces are a concern and that rubber matting that was implemented was just horrid! I would suggest even if you could let the children go bare feet in a bucket (laundry basket or on spaces that you purposefully create) just to experience it whenever possible. There are plenty of studies - the science on this is really clear - bare foot benefits children - but you could also use practical resources and share with others - e.g., https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/childcare-articles/children-going-barefoot-in-an-early-childhood-setting - hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteI never stop the children in my program from taking their shoes off (anymore). There was a time when the children had to wear shoes regularly, no excuses. My philosophy has grown to be more "Organic". Connecting with nature is a much bigger focus for me now. The closer you can get to nature, the better. If that includes going barefoot, then so be it.
ReplyDeleteOur yard is a large, grass covered surface, along with a paved section and some spotty mud pits. I have some children even now who remove their footwear and run around the yard in their socks (It is January in Ontario, BRRRRR!). These children are old enough to regulate their own bodies. If they've felt cold, I have observed them putting their coat on without provocation. I will stay warm with my boots and coat on. As soon as spring arrives and the sun warms the Earth's surface, I will join in on "Barefoot Therapy".
Thank you for sharing, Mary! I love how you are supporting the children with self-regulating. I'm curious, do you notice the children engaging in specific sensory experiences in bare feet (e.g., stepping in mud or puddles)?
DeleteThe children absolutely partake in mud puddles and squishy mud. There have been some children who have come to me, concerned that their clothing has become wet or soiled. I reassure them that it is okay and that it will come out in the wash. Some have shown anxiety that they will be in trouble for soiled clothes. I tell them not to worry. I assure them that I will have a conversation with their parent that it was my idea to have fun in the mud.
DeleteLove the exchange Mary and Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI will take a look into that literature. Thank you for the suggestion!
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