27.07.2011

A smiling
Ferya arrived today. We put on our gumboots and went out for our morning walk.
We greeted the animals and the sun. and on entering the playground Freya
quickly found a game to play and we enjoyed the sunshine.

Even when Denzil arrived we continued to play out in the garden, only to come inside for
baking.

 
  
 After morning tea we played inside – the horses always
seem to be the first toy to be played with. All the children rode together this
morning. Freya and Denzil very carefully negotiated Ahliah.    

After a while with some discussion between Freya and Denzil, there was a baby horse (Freya's) and a daddy horse
(Denzil's). Freya's horse went to rest, and soon Denzil asked for another baby
horse and a house for all the animals. So we built a cubby house and Freya
busied herself with collecting lots of things for the new house. 'I'm
collecting lots of things.' 'Get more!' She got lots of cooking things and soon
Denzil was cooking up a feast! Freya kept bringing in more and more until the
cubby was full. With that the game ended – the horses were back out riding.

Here we see how Freya moves between 'parallel' role play (typical for this age) into a more
interactive form of play, where rules and ideas are negotiated and shared. This
shows Freya is beginning to comprehend the behaviours and intentions of others.
This comes very easily for the four year old, as the imagination takes hold in
a more dynamic way. Having Denzil here to play is a great for Freya.

28.07.2011

 Today we have had a slightly different routine. Instead of a morning walk Freya felt
more comfortable to sit quietly and do a drawing. She drew very strong colours
on her page today.

Freya was very quiet throughout the morning and at morning tea play time she found it
very difficult to have Ahliah anywhere near. So I decided to pack away and go
outside for some fresh air and to break free from the toys.

 Outside we found a very different freya! We visited the chicken's and the horses (who are
currently in the bush). But they could not be seen from the gate. '

They are on a bush walk.' said Freya. We left the carrots as a surprise treat and wondered
up the hill. There was lots of nice mud to squish in, further up the hill Freya
found some clover flowers. She collected all the ones she could find. Soon we
found ourselves sitting together in a nice clover patch enjoying the sun.
Ahliah gave Freya a big hug and there was the beautifully Freya smile we had
been waiting for!

 We spent nearly all day outside and only came in for rest time. Freya and Ahliah had a lovely time in the sand together.

29.07.2011

 Today is a special day: We are celebrating Freya's third birthday. We had spoken about
this on Wednesday.

 When Denzil arrived this morning he came with 2 presents. A pair of maracas for Freya and a
pair of socks for Ahliah which he had been planning to hand down for a long
time.

The day flowed very harmoniously, with all the children playing beautifully. The
morning was spent in the cubby house baking cakes and making cups of tea.
Denzil and Freya explained how they had built the house and painted all the
walls.

 We came inside to here a special birthday story and bake a vanilla birthday cake.

 At morning tea play time Freya and Denzil had heaps of fun riding on the horses. Freya
even offered Denzil a ride on Unicorn – which is a very kind gesture. Later
Freya picked a flower for Ahliah and Denzil. I think this shows Freya's growing
friendship with Denzil. Which is lovely to see.

 Freya had a practice sit (fully dressed) on the new toilet seat. She was very proud of
herself. Later when Denzil needed to go to the toilet she also went to try, but
decided not to at the last minute. I think if we keep doing practices on the
toilet she will become more confident.

 I have been telling stories about growing up and learning new things. Freya has also taken
to doing more on her own: In the last few days she has been taking off her own
jacket rain-pants and boots and saying 'I can do it by myself.' I think she is
enjoying to try new things and succeed.