My Connections to Play

The Value of Play

You say that you love your children, And are concerned that they learn today, As am I, that's why I'm providing A variety of kinds of play. You are asking what's the value Of having your children play? Your daughter's creating a tower, She may be a builder someday. You're asking me the value Of blocks and sand and clay. Your children are solving problems, They will use that skill every day. You're saying that you don't want your son To play in that sissy way. He's learning to cuddle a doll, He may be a father someday. You're questioning the interest centers, They just look like useless play. Your children are making choices, They'll be on their own someday. You're worried your children aren't learning And later they'll have to pay. They're learning a pattern for learning, For they'll be learners always. ~NAEYC

Quote

“Play is the beginning of knowledge.” ~ Anonymous



"Double Dutch"



     "Football"


 Children playing tag





When I was around eleven or twelve years old I knew I wanted to run track.  Everyday I would get up early and just want to run so I would ask my grandmother if I could go outside and run up and down the block.  She thought I was crazy and asked why, at that time I did not know why I wanted to run so bad but she allowed me to do it.  She was my biggest support system as a child and also as an adult up until her passing in 2010.   At first she was very protective and did not allow me to even cross the street when I went outside but as I got older it changed.  She would watch me play through the window and wave to me as I ran around playing tag with my best friend Mike.  He was my motivation to run because no matter how fast I ran after him I could not catch him.  During highschool I decided to run track and found out how really hard it was but my grandmother supported me even when I quit the team.

 This is what play is today.  Children stuck in front of a computer screen playing video games.  Play today does not involve any type of exercise or stimulation of the senses.  Play today compared to when I was a young child is not fun!