Childhood Connections to Play

“My Connections to Play”


The two quotes that I feel summarize what play represents for me in childhood are: 
 

The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” ~ Plato (Greek philosopher)

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can  use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)

Fred Rogers taught us that “play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” Preschoolers bring their own life experiences and daily skill development to every activity.

Growing up as a child was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget. I come from a family of five sisters and three brothers and so play was something we did quite often as children and played a major role in our development. Whether jumping rope, playing baseball, building block, hop scotch, hide and seek, putting together puzzles, playing dress up with our parents clothes and shoes, playing cards, racing each other or board games we was always playing. We played with each other and many neighbors’ kids on the block. Play was our pastime and a daily part of life. We played with our parents and other members of our family like cousins, aunts and uncles. My parents always made it a point to spend quality time to play with all of us and it in-turn helped us to learn to play with others and how to act. My parents felt it was extremely important for them as well as for us to be involved in play. I can truthfully say that it helped to establish and form bonds. Playing also taught us how to share with one another, communicate, solve differences, and taught us how to solve our own problems without having to involve others.

As I reflect on play when I was growing up I would have to say play is very similar to what I engaged in as a child. Just yesterday I observed some children in the preschool classroom playing with one another. Some of them were playing with block, games and puzzles. One child in particular had a difficult time with the puzzle. As I watched you could see the determination in his face to solve the problem by getting that piece of puzzle to fit in the way it should. He was very successful and happy in doing so. In addition a couple of the students are strengthening their language skills by modeling the other children and the teacher in the classroom. One child stated she was the mommy and the other was the daddy. There were other students playing in a group and building blocks as they engaged in conversation. Another student was pretending to read a story to the other teacher. Based on this observation I would have to say that play is very similar to when I was growing up.

My hope now for young children is that they be given every opportunity to play. Play is very essential for a child’s development and for their learning skills. Since many parents work and go to school it can be extremely difficult for them to spend quality time with their children. This is where balance comes into play. Whether at home or in school anyone involved with children need to make sure children are playing because playing is essential for their development.  

When you asked me what I did in school today

and I say, 'I just played.' Please don’t misunderstand

me. For you see, I am learning as I play. I am

learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.

Today I am a child and my work is play.”

Anita Wadley, 1974.

The role of play throughout my life and even today has not changed. I think all children whether young or old should be engaged in play as much as possible. My experience over the years has taught me about the importance of play and that “yes” children can learn through play. When you play you feel connected. In my mind play is a wonderful thing and something I value a great deal. 

Resources: 

Ginsberg, K. (2007. The importance of play in promoting healthy development and maintaining strong psrent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. Retrieved from http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf 

 

 Anderson-McNamee, J.K., ( 2010),The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development. Retrieved on January 31, 2014 from: http://msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT201003HR.pdf

 

 

Relationship Reflection:

Relationships are very important to me. A healthy relationship is a vital component to my health and well-being. The relationships I have with those in my family are strong relationships and they contribute to a long, healthy, and very happy life. I have positive relationships with many individuals. First and foremost is my husband, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and a host of those I work with and many members of my congregation.

The relationships are positive in that in each case these individuals are very supportive, loving, caring, and are there for you no matter what. They are with you through the good as well as the bad. They are the shoulder to lean on when you need someone to talk to. For instance I have known my husband since I was 10 years old. We have been happily married for 31 years and it is as if we just got married yesterday. He is the best husband a person could ask for. He is a very loving and supportive husband would supports me in whatever it is I would like to do. He always makes himself available when I need to talk. No football game is more important than sitting down having a conversation with me. He know how to bring out the best in me and I am very thankful to have him in my life. My parents as well are still there for me even though I am married. We all have a GREAT relationship. We are truly a family. In addition we make it a point to keep the lines of communication open.

One reason for having such a great relationship stem from how I was raised. The closeness was displayed in my family and it still continues even today. My parents are still happily married and I must say they raised us well. This helped carry over into my relationships that I have with my husband. We have always worked together and we are a team. Our values and beliefs means a lot and this is important in helping us to maintain a positive relationship.

I have not had any challenges in developing and maintaining relationships. I have been surrounded by healthy relationships all my life. A special characteristic of these relationships is to communicate and to be open. I give from the heart and I don’t expect anything in return. I am also very compassionate and I truly care about others and what they are going through. Honesty plays an important part in my relationship. I respect the wishes of others even if I don’t agree with their decisions. These are just a few of the characteristics that make my relationships with others special.

My experiences with relationships/partnerships over the years has impacted me a great deal. Parents and teachers want what’s best for children. As an educator you want parents who are supportive of your teaching techniques and who extend the learning outside the classroom. A parent wants the best education for their child and a teacher who shows your child respect and who is knowledgeable about child growth and development and who demonstrates a professional attitude in the classroom. Regardless of the needs and wants both parent and teacher want what is best for the child. I have learned over the years that in order for this to happen, parents and teachers must build a working partnership that will make a wonderful child care experience for the children in their care. My relationships/partnerships have helped me to develop effective partnerships in my profession.