My Connections to Play

A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. – Benjamin Spock

When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero. – Fred Rogers

      

When I was growing up I was always encouraged to play either by myself, with my sister, or with friends.  I typically was engaged in outside activities such as playing in my friends’ tree house, riding bikes, playing tag, exploring in the woods.  If I did play inside it was either house or school.   I don’t recall adults playing with me.  I don’t know if it was because I always wanted to be outside or that my family viewed play as a child’s activity.  I do believe that my family wanted me to use my imagination and engage in lots of activities.

Play is very different today then it was when I was growing up.  For me I was always outside.  Sitting in front of a computer or video game system was not what I wanted to do.  Instead I preferred to explore the woods that were next to my house, or play games such as cops and robbers, or go bike riding.  I was free to engage in these activities without an adult right by my side.  In today’s word I feel that parents allow children to get so involved with video game systems, and watching t.v. because it is too scary to just send your child outside to play.  Parents have extremely busy schedules and find it difficult to watch their child play.  It is sad but it is the reality of today’s world. 

I think that being active as a child and having the opportunity to explore the world around me freely has really shaped me as a person.  Engaging in free play allows us to use our imaginations and be creative.  Now that I’m a teacher I feel that the way I played when I was a child has been able to help me be creative with my students by creating activities that they might not get to engage in when they are at home such as exploring outside.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important because they can be used as a support system and are necessary for our own well-being.  Relationships can be joyful or stressful. I try to only build relationships with people that are going to bring me joy.  Negative relationships cause stress and I try to avoid that at all costs. 

I currently have positive relationships with my mother, sister, children, and a few close friends.  I have always been close to my mother.  We have a great relationship that allows me to talk to her openly about anything that I may be going through.  She raised my sister and me all by herself and I feel that she has been a great role model for me.  My sister is a couple of years younger than me, but we have always been close.  Don’t get me wrong we have out moments when we argue like children, but when it comes down to it, we are always there for each other.  I have both a son and a daughter.  I currently have a great relationship with both of my children.  I encourage them to talk to me whenever they feel the need, even if it is maybe a difficult topic.  I believe that making them feel that they can come to me and I won’t judge them has allowed me to have open communication with them thus far.  I wouldn’t say that I have a lot of friends just a few that are dear to my heart.  My best friend has been friends with me for 30 years.  That is amazing.  We have been friends every since we were little girls.  She is always there for me when I need her and I do the same for her.

Maintaining relationships is difficult.  As you get older your views of life change and the people who you choose to associate with change.  Establishing new relationships occurs all the time but only the important ones can be maintained. 

Everyone establishes relationships differently.  As an educator it important to be able to reflect on the relationships that you have established within your personal life to help you establish relationships in your professional life.  If you have only had negative relationships it is going to be quite difficult to establish positive relationships with families and children.  I always remember that some relationships have to be maintained for a brief time, and after that time if the relationship is negative then you can let go of it and move on.