My Connection to Play

Essential play items for when I was younger:

I have many fond memories of playing as child. One such time was when my siblings, cousins and I would pretend to be students and teacher.  We would make up an attendance list, "homework" and tests.  We each would take turns being the teacher and come up with our own set of rules. I also remember being able to play outside, especially playing kickball with the kids in the neighborhood. On the front lawn, there were two trees, a rosebush and a large rock, which all served as the bases. We would play for hours, until it was time to go in for dinner. Our parents supported our play by allowing us to play.  They did not interrupt or interfere with our play unless it was necessary.  They allowed us to have fun.

Times have definitely changed since I was a child.  I feel when I was younger, children were able to play outside more often and without adult supervision. Nowadays, children do not have such freedoms.  Plus, electronics and technology wasn't anywhere close to what they are today.  Growing up, my siblings and I had Atari and then years later, Nintendo. We didn't have any handheld games or phones to play on (because they were nonexistent back then 🙂). For young children today, I hope that they are given time to just play and have fun. By play, I mean, they get to use their imaginations and come up with their own rules, without adults telling them what to do or how to do it.

Throughout my life, I have enjoyed engaging in different forms of play. As a teacher, I enjoy observing and listening to children during play, when they can be themselves and learn without knowledge of it. Also, I like to join them sometimes during play, taking on the roles and following the directions they give me. It's about the fun, as well. As long as kids are having fun learning while playing, why should they be interrupted???