Make Believe.

Who made the rule that grownups aren't allowed to play make believe? Now, I know it's developmentally appropriate for young children to have a difficult time distinguishing reality from imaginary, but I don't see why that distinction should stop us from using our imaginations. Somedays I just want to escape reality, and what better way than to play pretend? I'm thinking a tea party with my old dolls and stuffed animals is in order.



One of the little guys in my Kindergarten class is always playing make believe, and it's hilarious:

While sitting at rug time, listening to the teacher, Brian* puts his hand up to his face, making a pretend phone.
Brian- "Ring Ring, Hey mom it's me. Yeah, I'm just sitting in class."
Me- "Shhh, Brian. You need to listen now."
Brian- "Ohhh, mom I got to go"
Brian pretends to push a few buttons, hang up his phone, and put it in his pocket.
Brian- "Sorry Mrs. Gray, I had an important phone call!"


Then the other day, during recess, Brian comes running up to me. He's completely hysterical, screaming and crying, with tears running down his little face. I could have sworn he had broken his arm or something terrible, but ohhh no it was much worse.
Me- "Brian, what's wrong?!"
Brian- JACKSON STOLE MY COOKBOOK AND THREW IT OVER THE FENCE. AND. I. WAS. MAKING. LASAGNA. IN. THE. SANDBOOOOOOOX!"
Me- "Oh no, well guess what! I already got it for you and it's here in my pocket"
I handed him back his invisible cookbook, which I "saved".
Brian- "Thanks Mrs. Gray!"
He skips off, all smiles, back to the sandbox to making another dinner.
Then his little friend, who was standing behind him, says, "Ohhh don't worry, Mrs. Gray, I made a copy of my cookbook!"

{Image from WeHeartIt.}

*I don't use student's real names. But, maybe next time I'll think of something more fun to call them on here! What's a good fake name?