Saturday 2 January 2010

2010 the Year of Play

So, to this headline. Which smacks a little of mischievous rabble rousing.

But it tells me of a broad approach on goal and target setting by government which I'm finding hard to laugh at; others say it strongly in the lead letter here.

But as the state makes itself responsible for all 3-year old gross motor development, the prospect of those legal challenges come ever closer. The law courts will have no time then for granny murderers, so maybe lock up your grannies now.

I'm not sure anyone in this government has any sensibility or understanding of a child's normal development. Personally, I trust people who interact with children on a daily basis. Parents know, some teachers know, most sensible adults know; we follow our intuitions, observations and we listen to our children.

Making 2010 the year of play sounds like a fun idea. I'm in, and if I can, I'll chronicle our play days for one year over here.

And I think the best thing to do is to ignore this government. They may soon be carted off in strait jackets, foaming at the mouth.

New Zealand research referred to in letter is here.

14 comments:

Sam said...

I do like the title of your new blog - spot on. :-)

The posts are good as well, of course, as is the last sentence of this post.

cheerymishmash said...

love love lovin the new blog :D can I add that one too? Mandy x

Maire said...

Great new blog and hope you are right about this government although what to wish for in its place?

MadameSmokinGun said...

Oh it's a wake-up call. I'd forgotten all about newspapers and politics for a few weeks.

I had even stopped panicking about having to vote Tory for a little while. I'm still not sure I'll be able to make my hand do it. But after years of protest votes or tactical votes that just leave an empty taste in the mouth - it is seeming like the only idea left - to get rid of New Labour that is.

Or I could just ignore it and stay a smug home educating bastard - but that's a bit like not buying a Live Aid record just because it's crap and you've just been to Tescos.

Will be watching your new space for good ideas - no pressure - I just like the reassurance that we are wonderful - and smug.

And bastards.

MadameSmokinGun said...

I don't think I can do it! The voting thing....... It's like jumping out of a burning plane without a parachute. It's that kind of a choice.

Can someone say soothing words?

MadameSmokinGun said...

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

LPG said...

I think its like homebirth (or indeed having an elective section)... you hear all the arguments for and against.

And then you count as 'informed' and do what the heck you want to or decide that *you* need to; and anyone who then goes on about how you've made the wrong choice and you obviously didn't listen properly needs to go and check their dictionary.

Green V-Neck said...

Wait, was that a real article? I thought I was reading something I might find in a Brit version of The Onion, but, no? Whoa. Can't wait to check out the new blog.

sharon said...

Actually I'm surprised New Labour hasn't fully embraced human cloning. Just think, potentially total control of genetic input and no doubt eventually the removal of those pesky subversive parents (especially the home educating types with their wild child led development ideas). Maybe the off-spring could be gender neutral which would solve the gender gap problem too. Brave New World, here we come!

Love the new blog ;-) Hope you manage to post at least one picture a day.

Cathy @ NurtureStore said...

Well, you know I agree with the Year of Play! (and thanks for linking through to my page). I love your photo journal - I'll be back to see what you're up to. Hope you'll come see our playing to http://nurturestore.co.uk/

Glowstars said...

I'd like to see how they think they'll get 3 and 4 year old boys to work more. I have enough trouble with the five year old.
And if 2010 is the year of play, does that mean I don't have to go back to work but still get paid?

R. Molder said...

What a bunch of hoohy, I have to tell my mom about this one, she's a 1st grade teacher and will likely laugh her butt off! Good luck on the new blog!

Not From Lapland said...

life would run along just super if those bloody politicians would stop trying to make it all 'better'

Great new blog. Shall watch with interest.

And I have tagged you. come and get it, do it, or else...I'll, I'll, sick a politician on you! Although you'd probably just kill him and bury him under your floor boards with the gas man. Or at least i will have tagged you in a minute when I get all my links sorted and post it, so don't run over straight away, have a cup of tea first.

Grit said...

hello all! thank you for your encouraging comments.

the other blog has many intentions, not least inspire me with a place to learn how to handle the proper camera that sits in front of me; then maybe i could build a photojournal i'd actually like to look at.

as far as voting tory; i don't think my hand can do it either. like you, mme sg, i am at a loss. what to do? i have voted green forever but really, i may as well bang myself about the face with a shovel.

we could be in luck. spongebob may yet become a political force to be reckoned with.

glowstars, that's a problem. but there are always imaginative and bold options, no?

i reallyreally will tryveryhard crossmyfingers to do THE TAG. i will probably spend hours looking at old photos, weeping and sniggering, and then declare i am unable to choose.