My Connections to Play

Quotes about play:

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato

“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)

My essential play items: bucket, shovel, swimming tube

I choose toys that belong on the sandy beach because this place was where my most memorable moments as a child were.  We used to drive down to Galveston, TX every Summer and spends a few days on the beach.  I remember how I never wanted to leave!  I kept myself occupied all day swimming, collecting sea shells and attempting to build a sand castle. 

Bucket, Shovel                                                                     Swimming Tube

                            

My childhood play:

            When I was younger, play was encouraged everyday.  I did not have homework until about fifth grade, so all my afternoons were spent playing outside.  I rarely watched television and we did not have a gaming system.  My parents encouraged me to play in the backyard, and my dad even built me a playhouse.  I spent a lot of time playing in my room as well and I always came up with new things to do.  I loved to build a tent out of my bed, play school, and have tea parties with my stuffed animals. 

Play today:

Today there doesn’t seem like much time for play.  Children as young as Pre-k are coming home with homework daily, and children are being rushed around from soccer practice to karate.  When they finally do get home, they want to watch television or play video games.  Play is virtually nonexistent until the weekend today.  Children may actually get to go to the park  or see their best friend when Saturday comes.  When I was a child, I got to spend every afternoon outside and play.  Sadly, we have drifted a long way from when I was little. 

The role of play in my life:

Playtime was essential in my life growing up.  I was afforded the opportunity to play everyday.  When I reached middle school, I lost interest in play.  I just wanted to go swimming or go to the movies with my girlfriends.  Now that I have reached adulthood, play is non-existent.  I think play turns into something else when you become an adult and that is staying active mentally and physically.  I do both.  I make time to challenge myself with school, and I make time to workout.  That is my playtime.  The role of play is pertinent in early childhood though.  Play allows children to express themselves and apply what they have learned.  Play gives them the chance to build friendships and learn to cooperate amongst each other.  As early childhood professionals, we need to make time for our students to just be themselves and play. 

 

The Mental State of China

·         http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid42806360001?bctid=85442809001

I chose to study the mental health of adults in China and how it is affecting children.  This topic is close to my heart because I was in a different state of mind when my son was 9 months old.   Life circumstances left my mental state as indescribable.  I decided to do some research on this topic.   I chose China because I once taught ESL for a summer there.

A few months ago, China was in the headlines because of a man who attacked some Kindergarteners.  He walked into the school and killed two adults and seven children.  This brought the world’s attention to the mental health state that China is in.  Doctors discovered that the men involved had prior mental health history, but it was ignored.  He was very depressed, and felt suicidal.  This man said he did this because he believed that this would be the greatest impact. He killed these children because the school would not pay more rent.  

Nearly 20% of the people of China are suffering from mental illness.  China use to be a very introverted society, so people are just now confiding with others including their doctor about their mental state.  It use to be that people would think less of you if you said you are suffering mentally.  There are resources available, but some areas are still poverty stricken.  Change in China is happening one person at a time.

This example of the man who killed the Kindergarteners was an extreme example, but not too far from home.  I remember the Oklahoma City Bomber and the UNT Campus Shooter, and last week the Arizona shooting.  We are fortunate to live in the United States of America because of all the resources available.  It breaks my heart that little children did die at the hands of some heartless and insane adult.   They were to young to defend themselves.  Stories like this make me value my role in the early childhood field.  I really take to heart standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves or are afraid to.

References:

“Mental Disorders Major Health Issue in China.”  Thaindian News.   Retrieved November 11, 2010 from

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/mental-disorders-major-health-issue-in-  china_100356394.html.

Tran, Tini.  (May 2010).  School Attacks Highlight Mental Health Issues.  USA Today.  Retrieved

November 11. 2010 from http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-14-china-mental-  schools_N.htm.