CHILDREN learn how to play primarily through the example set for them by others. Kids aren’t born with such habits. They acquire them throughout life. During babies’ early mon- ths, the prime exaniples set are within the home, by parents and siblings. As kids grow older, they draw ex- amples from a wider circle of people in their daily life. When a new plaything is offered, the enthusiasm of the child is usually propor- tional to the interest they see in others around them. Having always loved weaving, I once gave a small table loom to our oldest child for what [ thought would be. a very special Christmas gift. However, I had almost never made time in my life for using my large loom, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise that Amoreena hardly ever used her small one, much to my disappointment. This tendency to copy what others do explains why | younger siblings often seem ‘to progress through levels of development sooner and quicker. They try out as much as they can what their beloved older sister or brother is enjoying. ‘To those of us with a wide age range amongst our children, this can seem a mixed blessing, as we listen to our preschooler belt out ari British Columbia Lung Association the lyrics she’s memorized from the rock music our teenager enjoys! However, there’s a lot to be said for not always hav- ing an example to follow. The other source of ideas for children's play comes from within, from their own imaginative creativity. I've become the recipient of some glorious creations that my five-year-old brings play habits home from the ‘make-it”’ table ia her kindergarten. From what I understand in chatting with Mischa’s teacher Lynne Palaia, there’s a variety of materials for drawing, gluing, painting, decorating, fastening, and otherwise _- CREATING, available most days for the children to experiment with. Without any example of- fered, this allows for an in- finite variety of possibilities. The things Mischa makes don’t come from some craft book. They come from within Mischa. Such opportunities needn’t be limited to the well-planned ‘classroom set- ting. At home, we can save our own “beautiful junk’* (rolls, boxes, lids, corks, buttons, etc.) to be used in similar open-ended creativi- ty. By not always offering over-structured play, we also avoid the likelihood of frustration. If a certain thing can only be played with in a limited manner, then the child is potentially set up for disappointment and a feeling of negative self-worth if they can’t reach what they perceive to be an acceptable level of achievement. It’s up to us parents and teachers. to keep open these choices in play which en- courage such unique self- expression and feelings of self-worth. 4 yourself with massages, facials, a full exercise : . program (under direction of Betty Latimer) and|‘8 specially prepared meals, low in fat & high in | fibre. CALL NOW i (J a I e e p) save a lifetime: Be sure your family benefits from your estate the way you intend. Protect your family and your assets. Take a little time to write a will. A professional executor offers experience, continuity, impartiality and reliability. Pick up our Wills information booklet from any branch. Or call today and we will drop one in the mail. Central Trustlooks forward to acting on your behalf. WT Central Trust Serving Canagians Since 1887, 57 branches coast to coast. Call Bob McLean or Kim Evans at 684-2581, 750 West Pender Street, Vancouver. Tender Sirloin Steak with Shrimp served with Stuffed Potato or rice Valid to Jan. 24. 7 days a week 1351 Lonsdale, North Van 61 - Friday, January 17, 1986 - North Shore News | ‘Steak & Shrimp 6° 985-5385 | CONTINENTAL SEAT SALE HONOLULU 299° Vancouver to Henolulu Jan. 2 - Feb. 7, 1986 ¢ Up to 3 flights a week. e 7 day advance purchase. e 7 day maximum stay. ¢ $75 non-refundable upon cancellation. Vancouver * to Honolulu 3 99 ; Jan. 4-Dec. 11, 1986 ¢ Up to3 flights a week. ¢ 7 day advance purchase. e Minimum stay — Ist Saturday night. ¢ 29% non-refundable upon cancellation. SOUTH PACIFIC uae 1075" e 21 day advance ticket purchase. Vancouver s] 2 89° to New Zealand ® 14 day advance ticket purchase. - ¢ April - November 1986. ROUND TRIP EXTRAVAGANZA. Vancouver to Hawaii, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand e Stop overs in any or all destinations. e 14 day advance ticket purchase. e April - November 1986. Call Continental toll free at 800-525-0280 or your travel agent. S CONTINENTAL AIRLINES 48 U.S. Cities » Mexico » Canada South Pacific « Micronesia + Hawaii ¢ The Far East *Some restrictions and conditions apply. ‘South Pacific flights via connecting service. *Connecting flights within Canada via Pacific Western Airlines. ‘ 1429" a , ..