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.