"How to save the beautiful people" Matilda's story

This story was shared on our Think with Things Island online platform today and I just had to share it here. If you want to join our Island click here, it is free and inhabited by not only Educators and Parents, but also Artists, Designers, Practitioners, Business people, Entrepreneurs, etc.

When feelings and emotions come out through play and storytelling

One of the amazing side effects we have seen through TwT workshops, with both children and adults (from the very young to the elderly) is the connection to emotions and feelings. So many times things come out in the stories that would have never come out before and even the player is surprised at what comes up. 

I have seen this time and time again, but have never managed to catch the moment on video. 

So, I was overwhelmed and excited when one of our members (and a teacher I have worked with at Turtlewings studio before) sent me a video of a story her daughter Matilda expressed and she got it on video! 

It started with Monday 30th of March prompt to explore happiness! 

They had already collected many lovely baskets of things. 

A bit of background Sam is a preschool teacher and Matilda, her daughter is four. She starts school in September and they live in the UK. 

Sam started this play activity by asking...

What makes you happy?

Matilda started by adding the green felt rectangle and the flowers from their collections because they made her happy. 

Then Sam asked...

What do you think is beautiful?

Then Matilda added the marbles because they were beautiful. These marbles then became the people in the garden. Then, Sam told me, out of nowhere Matilda took one large marble and it became the virus. 

From there Sam let the story go and she stepped back observing, listening and not engaging too much in the play. She made this amazing video.

Matilda's story

"how to protect beautiful people!"

This is such a great video on so many levels. I am happy Sam caught this moment to share with us. It is important for us as educators, parents, friends, colleagues, etc. to step back and observe and be there for support. Making children and adults feel safe when emotions and feelings come out. Don't push, judge or question really.

Just listen and make them feel heard! 

Please let us know if you have had any similar experiences working with loose parts, found objects, storytelling, play therapy, etc. 

and a big huge thank you to Matilda and her mom Sam for sharing this amazing moment with everyone on the island and beyond! 

Don't forget to come join us on TwT Island if you want to share and learn more!