“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” ~ Leo Buscaglia (author, educator)
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)
As a young child I didn’t have many opportunities to play. I came from a family of 11 children and even as young as 5 years old I was changing diapers and taking care of my younger siblings. As a young child when I did have time to play, I played with dolls mostly because I would act out the things I had to do for my siblings. I enjoyed pretend play with my dolls and siblings. I really enjoyed playing mom and dad and school. Play was not often encouraged because there was always house and school work to be done. When I had the opportunity to play outside, I would play jumprope with siblings and friends.
I think that play today is very different from play when I was a child. I enjoyed dolls, jump rope and just playing chase. Children today are too consumed with technology that they hardly go outside and instead of asking for a doll or truck they are asking for high tech electronics. Although I think the use of electronics have proven to be very helpful in education, I don’t feel that it should replace our “old school toys”. Today I fully understand the importance of encouraging meaning play. Being able to play and pretend will help children in my opinion learn and grow to be successful adults.
Deon,
ReplyDeleteWas your experiences taking care of your siblings the reason you entered this field? That first quote is so true and I know sometimes I have trouble remembering that learning and play can go together and we don't have to differentiate between them.
Deon,
ReplyDeleteI really like that quote from Leo Buscaglia, as reflects the on-going misconception of play in relation to learning. Also, I can relate to having play opportunities limited as a child, but not as young as five. Wow!! You certainly learned about responsibilities at a young age. I was fortunate enough to have ten years of opportunity before my baby brothers were born. My first baby brother came at age ten, and the other one came at age 11, and despite the fact that I had a brother four years older than me, I quickly became my mother's personal assistant, and eventually, built-in-babysitter. I am thankful for all of my childhood experiences, because I am who I am today because of them; however, I was most careful not to impose such adult responsibilities onto my own children. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences.
Deon,
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology has taken the place of many of the types of toys that we used to play with. How do you think we can overcome the technology and encourage children to use the best technology they have already, their imaginations?
Deon,
ReplyDeletePlay helps children become social, problem solve, and use their creativity. While technology is a great resource, but it shouldn't replace play.