Tuesday, June 25, 2013

An Introduction to Play Silks

 Summer Sky Play Silk
Introducing Play Silks
By Brenda Massei of Pail & Pie
 Waldorf play silks are simple, beautiful toys that need no instruction manual for children yet often bring a puzzled look upon first introduction to adults.  Explaining the joy of play silks to an adult takes longer than showing them, but here are a few reasons parents will enjoy them too.
Play Silks are Natural. 
Play silks are dyed squares of 100% silk. The feel of the scarf is light, fluid, and soft. Natural toys are less harmful to our environment and our children. 
 
  Silk Streamer Ring
Play Silks are Open Ended. 
Like many Waldorf toys, play silks are open ended. Children use their imaginations with silks. Silks become an easy backdrop for play because they are so basic. They can be used as capes, vehicles, animals, or whatever the child needs at that moment of play.  Simply holding onto a silk while running is enjoyable.
Play Silks Support The Child's Ability of Expression.
Play silks allow a child to dive into any play they enjoy and wish to play at that moment. The silks are not limiting but instead support multiple types of imaginative play. Silks are the ultimate reusable toy.  They can be the main focus of  play or a special ingredient.
Play Silks are Not Commercial.
Silks offer a commercial free option to the many store shelves full of television and movie marketed items. Children don't have to feel compelled to collect silks or use them in a manner compatible to a plot line. Play silks are free from any marketing and therefore are free to become a child's own. 
Play Silks are Beautiful.
Toys that are lovely to touch and beautiful to behold generate a reverence for life. Children exposed to such beauty can learn to appreciate simple, natural elegance.  
Play Silks for Kids
My seven year old son thinks they make great forts! Do you have play silks for your children? What do they use them for?  Leave a comment and share your ideas.

3 comments:

  1. We keep play silks in our costume box and my kids love to use them for dress up.

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  2. I LOVE silks, I use them as photo props for my work, and have them in the play box when my Grand children and nieces and nephews come
    They decorate under the nature table and all around..
    Yours are delightful
    cheers Marie

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  3. I gave my daughter a set for her birthday this year and she loves them. She usually uses them as capes, baby bedding, and curtains. I'd love to hand dye some with her this summer.

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