My Connections to Play

“For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does ‘just for fun’ and things that are ‘educational.’ The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play.

 ~ Penelope Leach (psychologist and author)

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”

~Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)

 I had many toys growing up. Here are three that I use to play a lot with my sister.

                   

When I was a young child, my parents were all about us being outside and active at all times unless it was a rainy day. We were never really allowed to watch television unless it was after our baths right before bedtime. My parents along with everyone around me had the same feeling and understanding that children needed to play and use their imagination instead of sitting doing nothing like watching television. My sisters and I along with all the children around us would all play together. Some things we would do are: swing, ride bikes, hula hoop, jump rope, play tag, hide and go seek, or cops and robbers, any much more. We were always being encouraged and motivated by the adults.

I feel that play when I was growing up is completely different than play today. As a child, we had video games, television, radio, etc. just like children today have. The difference is, children today start out young just sitting in front of the television or playing games on the tv or computer just to stay busy and occupied as to not bother their parents or siblings. The motivation to use their imagination is not there like it was when I was a child. The parenting ethics are different because children today do not have their parents forcing them outside to run and be creative in play. I hope that children learn enough from their teachers that it makes them want to go out and play and run wild. I hope that one day the attitude of play and video games changes back to the way things were when life did not revolve around electronics.

Play is part of what made me the way I am today. I was able to learn how to play in a structured or unstructured setting. Play has helped children including myself develop socially, cognitively, physically, and intellectually. Play stays with you throughout your childhood and into adulthood. I feel as though learning to play as a young child has helped me when I work in groups or with colleagues. It has also played a role in helping me to be flexible and patient. Play helps children learn qualities and skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. One will not realize this though until they are older.