Tuesday, 25 January 2011

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. 
 





4 comments:

  1. Stacey,

    When I was 7 we lived in La Porte, TX which is right on the Galvaston coast! The beach was always great, I remember I had a friend who lived right on the beach!

    Like you, I believe children are too rushed and parents "schedule" too much. I try to make a big effort not to do that to my own children by limiting activities that they are always wanting to join.

    I think it is important to see the adults in their lives "play" as well. Whether that is exercising, throwing snowballs outside (we have enough snow now LOL), or riding a bike. This summer my children fell to the ground laughing when my husband got on a bike and went riding with them. They didn't think he knew how!

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  2. You are so right, play has changed so much. Things use to be safe for children to play outside when I was a child. We could play in the fields that were around our neighborhood without anybody bothering us. My children are jealous when I talk to them. I use to love Mr Rogers also.

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  3. I agree with you! I do think the children have so much going on that they have to eliminate going outside. It seems that many schools are cutting recess time. I can remember when I was in the 1st grade I had an entire hour for recess. If the class was really good that day, we would get an additional 30 minutes to play. Plus we were guaranteed two hours and 25 minutes a week of physical education. It seems that many children are getting robbed from a very essential part of their lives.

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  4. First off, I love the background on your blog! It sets the perfect mood for the purpose of this blog. You make a great point about children having homework at a younger age now. I was home-schooled so all of my work was homework but I never remember my neighborhood friends having homework until at least middles school. Homework in pre-school is ridiculous! Children are only young once, there is plenty of time for homework later on in life!

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