Linda Reynoso

10/19/15
Dr. Ward
Unit Paper #4
Madan Kataria believes in the power of laughter, that it can affect both communities and
nations big and small (Pink, 2006). Kataria also believes that through laughter you unlock a part
of the brain that allows a child to be whatever they want to be (Pink, 2006). Pink (2006) also
stresses the importance of play to children. While video games seem silly to adults, these games
help children to problem solve and help them with self-exploration and self-expression (Pink,
2006). There were two studios during the week; in the first we were given the challenge of
making finger puppets with various colors of clay provided along with other supplies to decorate.
In the second bridge activity the classroom was set up with various art supplies and the class was
invited to explore them and create.
While adults often look on at the games and play is being taken more and more out of
schools, children learn much more from their peers and through play than adults can imagine. I
like that pink also stresses that while adults may have trouble realizing it, even video games can
help in self-expression in children. The second studio/bridge activity the class participated in was
slightly overwhelming to me. This is not the system that I grew up in, where I got to choose what
I wanted; instead I grew up being told how and where to put things. I can see how this would
work with young children, perhaps after they learned some techniques. Three out of four weeks a
teacher could teach techniques, and then the last week set out all kinds of supplies (varying each
time), and allowing children to whatever their minds could create.
References
Pink, D. (2006). A whole new mind: Why right-brainers will rule the future. New York, NY:
The Berkeley Group.