My Connections to Play

Quotes that I feel summarize what play represented for me in my childhood.

 

“You can do anything with children if only you play with them”

German Proverb quote

 

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold”

German Proverb quote

 

 

These two pictures describes my younger self

 

 

When I grew up we had a simple swing set that we all enjoyed playing on.

 

 

My parents, teachers, aunts and uncles supported all types of play.  Play was a something we did on a daily bases. Our parent gave us an opportunity to play. Even when it was cold we went outside to play. The same thing with the teachers at school they allowed us to play every day.

 

Play today is different from when I grew up. Playing outside, inside, or play pretend was a way of life for me, my sister, and cousins. We played every day. Even at school there was a time set aside for children to go outside and play. Technology has change the way children play today. Children consider playing video games, facebook, texting, or just talking on phone as a form of play.  Teachers are focus on children passes state mandated test,   there is no time for play.

 

My thought regarding play in my life is that it was important to my social, cognitive, and physical development. I enjoyed been given the opportunity to play. Growing up I never thought about playing being a part of development it was just something we enjoyed doing. As an adult I still enjoy playing. I encourage my daughter to play and she has learned so much and developed very well.