My Connections to Play

1. “Play is the beginning of knowledge.” -George Dorsey
2. “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman

These two quotes are simply the start of what play represented and meant for me as a child.  My dad was always saying, "go outside and play".  My dad also built my sister and I a large Barbie house, a fake school classroom, and a giant play room.  We had so many toys that they were kept under the stairs in a giant toy bin.  My parents would not allow us to watch television during the day in the summer, nor would he let us watch it for hours at night.  As a child, I was also very involved in sports and dance.  Technology was not an option, and in school we were given ample time to play outside and socialize.  

  

Cabbage Patch dolls were a must in my house!

I would never go any where without my popples.  I had everything popples!

Barbies were played every day!  My doll house looked exactly like this!

As a child, my mom and step-mom were the most supportive adults in regards to my play. I was a huge fan of Punky Brewster.  She had a cartoon, dolls, costumes, you name it!  I loved to dress like Punky and act like her.  From what I was told, my dad thought I was a little off because I would wear the creative outfits and act differently than other children.  I was taken to the doctor for testing or to see what was "wrong" with me and the doctor laughed.  He said there was nothing wrong with me and that I was simply a creative and unique child with a vivid imagination!  My mom continued to let me wear what I wanted (whether or not it matched) and would buy me any crazy item I wanted.  My dad did not agree with this and tried to stop it many times.  My step-mom as well did an amazing job supporting me as a child.  She came into my life when I was 4 and help to encourage my creative style and play attitude.  She would always make sure that I had enough supplies for whatever I was doing (school, doctor, etc.) and would take time to play with me.  

I strongly believe that play today is opposite of what I experienced as a child for the majority of children.  I do not have children of my own, but from what I have encountered through teaching and my family, children are given items that tell them what to think or how something should be done.  Some children still engage in play and those children seem to be the ones with most unique personalities.  These children are able to express themselves creatively and verbally and perform the highest on cognitive tests.  Sadly, there is not time given in schools for children to play or even socialize.  However, when I was observing in a preschool, play was essentially what the day was comprised.  It was structured play, but still play.  

  Technology sadly has become a babysitter and the way to socialize children.  When you say the word play, children immediately think of video games and computers.  When time is suggested for extra recess, children do not want to go outside, instead they want to play on the computer.  I have had children even waste their time of extra recess to watch children play games on the computer.  I am saddened by the lack of socialization among children.  Also, oddly enough the children who like to socialize and play are the ones that society and their peers consider "weird".

Without the play that I had as a child, I do not feel that I would be the creative and imaginative person and teacher that I am today.  Being given opportunities to learn about social contexts and life through imagination, I have become an adult that has common sense.  I know how to behave in given situations and I knew what was expected of me as I grew from child to adolescent to adult.  Without play I am concerned with the way that children will grow into adults.

Reference:

https://move-with-me.com/blog/25-quotes-about-the-importance-of-play

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