“My Connections to Play”
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....”
--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
“It’s not so much what children learn through play, but what they won’t learn if we don’t give them the chance to play
Susan J. Oliver, Playing for Keeps
“If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.”
--John Cleese
The things I remember most about playing when I was little are fishing with my dad, gardening with my grandparents, and be outside climbing trees . There is a tree in my parent’s backyard that I loved to climb. It is a wild cherry tree and it was my oversized jungle gym when I was little. I can remember spending hours in the tree. It was the perfect climbing tree. There was a section of the tree that I named “hang gliders ridge”. I could stand on one branch and hang from one that hung down over. As I let my feet dangle I pretended that I was hang-gliding through the open skies.
“Children have always learned and created places for themselves through play.”
~Donna R. Barnes
My parent’s encouraged my brother’s and me to be outside using our imaginations. Unfortunately today I don’t think that most children have that creative time for play. Their free time is filled with video games and TV. My childhood memories motivate me to provide the same opportunities for my children. I want them to have time to play and explore and become their own individuals. I believe those times that I spent playing helped me to be the person I am today. I want to provide that same foundation for children as well.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI, like you, would love to provide my children with the type of play that I was able to enjoy as a child; being outside, finding the joy in simple things, and using my imagination.
I grow increasingly concerned about having the ability to shield my children from some technology. It's not that I judge those who expose their children to technology; in this day and age some exposure is necessary. But, I think to myself, my kids are going to hate me when I don't allow them to have their own TV in their room, or game system. How do you think you'll go about raising your children so that they can enjoy the same type of childhood you did?
Great post!
Raina
Your post reminded me of the apple tree in the backyard of my childhood home. I too would spend hours climbing on it. I remember when I had the smart idea to have my older sister tie a rope to the back belt loop of her pants and the other end to the tree. Then she tried to swing like a monkey. Needless to say it didn't work and luckily she didn't get hurt. We had so much fun climbing that tree and learning what we could or couldn't do on it.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI was the best tree climber in the neighborhood and still have the scars to prove it! I loved reading your post it brought back so many memories both old and new. My daughter is the family gardner so she loves to do this with my mom. I love the fact that you are allowing your children to explore and find their individuality instead of allowing them to define themselves by the standards that are set by entertainers or sports figures. I loved the pictures and really enjoyed reading your post.
Raina,
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I try and get our children outside as much as possible. We spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer months. We like to take the kids camping and it is amazing to me how many people bring along their tv's. It's like people do not know what to do with each other without tv and video games.
I love the quote "If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play." This quote is very true. Children learn to be creative through play. Through play they can explore life and the world. They discover and learn about their surroundings.
ReplyDelete