A Created Game

During family hangout time before Cecilia bedtime last night we observed her create a game for herself. It had very clear, specific rules and occupied at least 10 minutes. It was the first time I'd seen her concentrate so completely on a self defined task. She had a medium sized wooden truck, and 3 animal figurines, an ostrich, a golden retriever and a Shetland pony. The ostrich was to lay on the bed of the truck, the pony on the hood and then the dog was to balance on the top of the cab. The game was then complicated by putting little foam shapes atop each animal once it was in place. She would then push the truck along and inevitably everyone would fall off and she would start all over again. I watched many times where she would put the pony on the bed of the truck and shake her head, remove it and put it back in it's "proper place". The balancing of each animal was tricky as her little hands are not entirely precise and would bump pieces as she went. What amazed Rafi and myself was how specific of a game this was, with very exact rules. It was incredible to watch her busy body slow down and focus in on her task. We were both so touched by her precise thoughts and actions, what incredible development!