The Importance of Play -- Paper Dolls

I am incredibly passionate about play. 

Kids need to play. 

I firmly believe that there should not be separate times... "learning time" vs. "play time." Play time IS learning time. Even when it doesn't look like kids are learning, their little brains are working very hard to connect all kinds of things.

I definitely think that technology is a great thing and can be used effectively to educate, but I DO believe that technology has begun to overtake our culture. Overuse of technology by our children has had major effects on motor skills development especially.

There is a difference between grabbing, holding, and placing a physical puzzle piece versus clicking and dragging a digital puzzle piece with one index finger. Both are good for the brain, but one is way better for motor skill development.

I'm not telling you that we don't play games on our devices, because we do.

I try my best to limit it, and I try my best to decipher games and apps that are replacing physical, motor skill developing activities.

For instance, paper dolls. My daughter loved a "paper doll" dress up app. With this app, you didn't even have to click and drag! Simply tapping on a new clothing item would instantly change the doll.

Well, I was over that.

That was motivation to finish a set of paper dolls that I actually started for another project that just never happened, because well... life.

I printed the colored version on heavy card stock, cut them out and attached magnets. I found the metal try at a thrift store and painted it with a primer/sealer. The 'fridge, of course works perfectly too, but they tend to play this while I am working in the kitchen and need quick access to it.

If you would like to, you can purchase these in my Etsy Shop for instant download.

You can get the color your own version or version that are already colored.

I also plan to do more! I'm working on some boys. Even though Reuben likes playing with these, he'd love a boy. I envision some pirate clothes or knight clothes which would also fit on the girls : )