Quote 2: "A child who does not play is not a child, but the man who doesn't play has lost forever the
child who lived in him and who he will miss terribly."- Pablo Neruda
During my childhood, my parents encouraged me to play with all sorts of toys. I grew up with a brother, so he had lots of "boy" toys and I had lots of "girl" toys. However, we traded off toys and played together all the time. Toys were never separated into boys/girls toys in our household. Although I have to admit, I never really did get into playing green army men outside in the dirt. Either way, my brother was a big support in my quest for play. He was always way more imaginative than I in terms of finding ways to play.
I have to admit that I do not remember how play was in a classroom setting during my childhood. In my experiences of working at day cares or preschool programs, I have found that play is more encouraged and allowed. However, I have seen the difference between good quality and poor quality early childhood programs. I have noticed that good quality programs have designated areas for all different types of play. Yet, as children begin to enter kindergarten, it is my experience that the time for play is lessened and replaced with academics for state assessments. I hope that in the future this type of practice will change.
Growing up, I was not discouraged from playing. However, I think that my shyness kept me from doing imaginative play with other people in my class. Furthermore, I played by myself at home a lot and when my friends came over I was always a little selfish with my toys. Now as a parent, I try to encourage my boys to play openly and without reservation. I try to teach them to share their toys with each other and to use their imagination when playing. In all, I try to play with my boys often. I hope to encourage them to not be shy and to partake in activities with their peers.
Hello Beau-
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and I had very similar personalities growing up. I was also very introverted which held me back form imaginary play with my friends. I loved playing Cabbage Patch Dolls and Barbies, however, I could never play them with my friends as I found it awkward to do the voices and be creative with them for fear they were judging me. When we played outside I was more comfortable creating forts and playing games that had a little more structure so I felt more comfortable branching out a bit. In notice in my teaching too, that I try to get my more introverted students to branch out of their shells. I take baby steps by helping them to work in small groups, then branching out into larger group playing so that they learn to work with all students in a comfortable setting. I have made great progress with them and it helps when I remind them that I used to be just like they were growing up.
Hi Beau
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story of play, I enjoyed reading your story. One thing I do believe is that we should always try to pass down some of the game and styles of play that we learned down to the children. We must show them the importance of going out and playing.
Pan
Hi Beau,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read that you encourage you boys to play without any restrictions. I believe children need to learn and discover in their own way. I also believe play should be encourged by adults. It is important that your boys form relationships that they learn through play.