Playsilks

Rainbow of Playsilks

Back in my teaching days, I had some silk strips sewn for a Rainbow Song ("I Can Sing a Rainbow"). Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I have done a lot of reading about Waldorf education and Playsilks happens to be one of the open-ended materials offered by Waldorf-style learning. They also fit the description of the types of toys we invest in; they offer limitless options for imaginative play for both genders and all ages, while costing only pennies.

In fact, Simple Kids (fabulous site worth browsing anytime!) offers a tutorial to make-your-own Playsilks here http://simplekids.net/toy-making-dyed-playsilks/

O has several go-to games for Playsilks.

Playing "Granny" is one of her favourites. We fold a square silk into a triangle and wrap our hair like my Granny used to do. This is complete with a Granny-style voice and antics!

However, new uses are invented every time the silks come out!

Once, Daddy tied O's core completely in silk rings to make a 'bathing suit'. 

Another time they were used to wrap baby dollies....and Pirate bandana's.

Yesterday, they served as an ocean..and I cringed as O took a dive right in without hesitation (she REALLY gets into her imaginary play!)

Of course, O's obsession with nurses (??) requires every open-ended playtime to end with some sort of mock surgery. Below, she has 'wounded' herself and needs to be bandaged.

Even if it is just a few flowing scarves you have hanging in your closet, Playsilks serve as great sensory objects for small babies and fabulous play tools for your growing kids.