Childhood has its own way of seeing, thinking and feeling, and nothing is more foolish than to try to substitute ours for theirs. Rousseau

A few days ago my neighbour was walking with her young son. In the middle of a roundabout stood a cherry tree at the height of its springtime glory. Suddenly the child came to a standstill, saying in awe, ‘O Mummy, look!’ She responded, ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ The child breathed, ‘It’s a JCB!’

Mother and child had eyes for entirely different things!

Did you know that tomorrow, 15 May, is National Children’s Day? Join in with these child-led activities.

A few weeks ago tree surgeons removed a dying tree adjacent to my two-year-old son’s nursery. Since then, every odd-shaped piece of wood he finds is his chainsaw. He has a whole collection of chainsaws under his bed. It makes housekeeping interesting – but that’s OK. When we pass a construction site on the way home from nursery, he’s the one driving the digger or the dumper. If imagination is a trait of early childhood that you feel is important, then we have something that you will love!

Through the eyes of a child explores the brand-new Community Playthings PlayFrame through the stories of five children. We see an event in their lives captured in stunning black and white photography while colourful illustrations give us a glimpse into the child’s thoughts. Then we find out how they re-live that experience on the PlayFrame. The result is a delightful picture book which your children may enjoy as much as you do!

Click here to request a free copy of Through the eyes of a child

John Coe, chairman of National Association for Primary Education, recently described a visit he’d just made to a school. Two 11-year-olds had been assigned to tour him round the building. Approaching the Reception classroom the children became visibly eager, hurrying their pace. On entering, they made a beeline for the Sand and Water table where they showed John all they could achieve with hosepipes and pulleys – talking excitedly all the while.

John told me, “The children were intelligent Year 6 pupils. Their spontaneous move to play like four-year-olds is a powerful indication of the denial of the inclination to play (and learn) which is characteristic of too many test-driven schools.”

Motivation levels are high during play. Remember Vygotsky’s words about a child at play being “a head taller than himself.” Schools would do well to include play as a natural part of their curriculum. The learning potential is tremendous.