Thursday, February 10, 2011

Swimming with the clownfish

Nemo and his dad
Some weeks ago Peter and I watched Finding Nemo with the kids. I had forgotten how stressful the movie is, as a little ocean-dwelling clownfish takes on hostile species as well as natural and man-made barriers to find his tiny son.

But the successes of small fish against daunting obstacles have inspired imaginative play on the part of Augie and ViMae.

Today we were all sitting on the bed. At first the bed was a boat surrounded by water. We pretended to catch a series of fishy types.

Augie: "I'm reeling in a killer whale, better watch out."

Vi: "I'm reeling in a sting ray, don't let it sting you." (Throwing self on bed) "I'm crushing it."

Augie again: "I'm reeling in a clownfish. He's telling jokes." I burst out laughing. He continues: "Too many jokes. Throw him back." Clearly Nemo and his dad have no special privileges here.

After a while, the kids decided to "dive into the water." Augie gave instructions: "We'll swim through the jelly fish but stay on top so they can't sting us. Then swim through the wall of bubbles, then race to the...." By then he was talking faster than we could follow. And they were off, leaping off the bed and swim/crawling as fast as they could across the room, down the hall, and back. They'd clamber aboard the bed/boat and immediately scramble off again.

It's interesting to see how the struggles and successes of a couple of clownfish and their friends can empower children's imaginations. 

15 comments:

Teresa Evangeline said...

I loved that movie. What a fun window into a child's imagination. Oh to be able to let go and feel that enthusiasm for make-believe again. Maybe I should practice...:)

Terra said...

How beautiful to be inspired by that movie, and facing difficult odds with success.

Darlene said...

What a fun way to spend the day. It's amazing what goes through their minds.

DJan said...

I also loved the movie, and I think the enjoyment of playing Nemo with the kids infected me with joy. thanks!

Jeanie said...

Seeing their imaginations take flight is such a fun thing. Thanks for reminding me of what a good movie that is. We haven't watched it for a long time.

Paul C said...

We often want to dismiss children's movies as a waste of time, but if viewed with an adult they can be an ultimate learning experience and font for the imagination. So true.

gayle said...

I love watching kids play make believe!!

Ms Sparrow said...

It sounds like they picked up some coping skills from the movie. Good for them!

Liz Mays said...

It makes me so happy to see kids pretend like that!

Nancy said...

My daughters and I used to play "falling off the boat into the roiling sea" - from the couch. Of course I would pull them back up at the very last minute...

Far Side of Fifty said...

What great imaginations, that was some movie..of course it made me cry..and where was Nemo's Mommy?:(

Deb Shucka said...

What a lovely piece of magic to read this story of the kids' highly imaginative play. So cool that you got to be witness (and participant).

Anonymous said...

I have not seen the movie but I have seen some that really gave me a much-needed lift.

Grandmother Mary said...

My grands love that movie. My favorite is Crash who surfs the Currents of the Great Barrier Reef. They still use his "cool dude" greeting. What a fun time you provide for your grands!

The mad woman behind the blog said...

We have so many movies yet to "discover" with Maddy but I do enjoy seeing her express her imagination. (Somewhere, some how she fell in love with Superman?!?!?!) Thank you for sharing this cute story.

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