Classroom
By Andy Yung, Pre-K Teacher, Queens NY
"When we get disconnected from children—and we do, again and again—play is our best bridge back to deep connection with them." - LAWRENCE J. COHEN
Young children learn best through play and also show what they know through play. Play allows children to explore, experiment, and understand the world around them. Clixo isn’t just for the little ones with their boundless energy – it’s got something for everyone, at any age. It’s a tool that transcends age barriers, and that's something to keep in mind, especially for those of us guiding the next generation, be it as parents or educators. Over my teaching career, I've had the privilege and pleasure of watching young minds interact, play, and show what they know about the world around them using many different kinds of toys. You can learn a lot about a child and what they know simply by watching them play and interact with others. Observing them in these moments is eye-opening – it’s where I’ve seen sparks of understanding, problem-solving, and the joy of discovery.
As we navigate the post-pandemic world, it's becoming increasingly clear that the children who either grew up during the pandemic or were born in its midst are stepping into classrooms with a different set of behaviors compared to those who started their education before the world changed. As educators and parents, it's crucial to tune into these differences.
In my classroom, I see children who are more hesitant, often seeking out an adult's nod before diving into new activities. There's a certain caution in their approach to the tactile world around them, a byproduct of the years where they were taught being safe meant keeping their hands to themselves and often hearing the phrase “Don’t touch that! It could be dirty!” This tentativeness isn't just about touching objects; it extends to their social interactions and learning experiences.
Understanding this, we have a responsibility to gently guide these children, to reassure them that it’s now safe to explore and interact with their environment. Clixo, with its tactile and flexible nature, has become a tool I rely on. It allows children to engage in a hands-on experience at their own pace, encouraging them to explore and connect not just the pieces, but with each other. It's a step towards rediscovering the unreserved curiosity that every child has within, helping them to overcome the invisible barriers that the pandemic might have created in their young minds.
Take a moment and watch a child building with blocks. You’ll see a story unfold, block by block. What they construct often mirrors the world they’ve absorbed — skyscrapers from a downtown visit, or perhaps a zoo, inspired by a cherished family outing. Their creations are windows into their experiences.
Step over to the dramatic play center, and you'll find a mimicry of adult life. Tiny hands stir imaginary soups, click away at upcycled keyboards, and arrange pint-sized tables for grand family feasts. These are the stages where children rehearse the roles they see in the world around them.
Enter Clixo — a newcomer to the classroom play centers. Its unfamiliarity can be a cause for hesitation. Children might initially circle around it, curious yet unsure. It's a dance of discovery, often beginning with observant eyes, as they watch others twist and snap the pieces together. With each observation, their comfort grows, until the moment of contact, where they too start to bend and connect the pieces, adding their own verses to the ever-evolving story of play.
This observation is not just an insight into child's play; it's a reminder of the importance of role modeling and shared experiences in learning. It underscores how new tools like Clixo can become bridges to new ways of thinking, playing, and understanding, provided we give our children space to watch, learn, and then leap into their own explorations.
My students quickly became fascinated with Clixo after just a brief moment of watching me explore its possibilities. As the classroom doors swung open, welcoming in a day full of possibility, my students were greeted with a sight that sparked immediate intrigue – their teacher, showcasing the latest in Clixo chic. From the regal crown perched atop my head to the intricate bracelet adorned with a twirling flower on my wrist, each piece a testament to the whimsy and wonder of Clixo. And let's not forget the elegant pearl necklace, its luster catching the morning light. "Who wore these first?" you might ask. The answer, echoed in the smiles and gasps of my young creatives, is always the same: Mr. Andy, leading the charge in fashion-forward play.
This glimpse was all it took to spark their imagination. They particularly enjoy the flexibility of creating wearable art, such as accessories for their princess-themed role-plays. The mobility of Clixo is another big hit; they adore the fact that they can transport their creations from one spot to another. Plus, the ability to attach their builds to a magnetic wall or tray has opened up a whole new realm of creativity, allowing them to experiment with various designs and ideas. My students' imaginations took flight with Clixo, blending their cool builds into every corner of our classroom. From towering builds in the block area to dramatic role-plays in dramatic play, their Clixo creations added a new type of fun, turning everyday play into extraordinary adventures!
No matter if you're a teacher, parent, grandparent, or someone of any age, Clixo knows no age boundaries! Dive into your creative side because your own ideas might just ignite the imagination of the young ones observing you.
