MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

Quotes

“The activities that are the easiest, cheapest, and most fun to do – such as singing, playing games, reading, storytelling, and just talking and listening – are also the best for child development.” ~ Jerome Singer (professor, Yale University)

“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. Many functional skills like literacy and arithmetic can be learned either through play or through instruction – the issue is the amount of stress on the child. However, many coping skills like compassion, self-regulation, self-confidence, the habit of active engagement, and the motivation to learn and be literate cannot be instructed. They can only be learned through self-directed experience (i.e. play). ~ Susan J. Oliver (author, Playing for Keeps)

My family and caregivers supported my play by allowing me free play time outside at every given opportunity. I remember my mom allowing me to go outside and play all day she required that I return home before the street lights came on. While we were outside we would ride bikes, play dodge ball, double dutch, and jack rocks. During the winter months when it snowed we would get a cardboard box and slide down a steep hill, I can remember that being very, very fun!!

Today most children are not afforded the opportunity to play outside until the “street lights” come on because parents are fearful of childhood crimes such as abductions, and pedophiles. Many parents have their children involved in extracurricular activities and or academic enhancement programs to help them become more efficient in a subject matter leaving little to no time for play.

Play has been an influential contributor in my life, as I reflect upon my childhood play experiences I am able to reminisce about the numerous memories of playing with childhood friends, and some of my favorite childhood games. Through play experiences I have learned the art of negotiating, and dealing with conflict. As an adult I have met many individuals who were not cooperative, and very argumentative. Learning how to negotiate as a child has helped me to address individuals who are challenged. Being creative can also be attributed to my early play experiences where I had the opportunity to create games, and use things like cardboard boxes as a sled to make the most of my play time. Overall I feel that I had a meaningful childhood full of experiences that have helped me become the well rounded individual that I am.

Relationship Reflection
Relationships are essential to human survival, and most individuals seek to connect with someone who offers an aspect of companionship, or connection in some shape or form. There are various types of relationships, and for this particular assignment I chose to focus on two significant relationships that have attributed to my personal and professional growth. For me positive relationships have been a staple in my life, and I seek to develop those relationships which will be purposeful, and respectful. In regards to professional relationships in order for them to be successful it is imperative to establish relationships with those who will further help you to accomplish goals and objectives. Most business professionals heavily rely on the concept of networking which enables professionals to connect with other individuals for the purpose of establishing mutual business relationships that will benefit both individuals and accomplish specific goals. I have uploaded several photos of individuals with whom I have meaningful and significant partnerships. Within these relationships we share a mutual respect for each other, and we collaborate in order to achieve a variety of common goals.


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This is a photo of my co-worker Robin and I. We work together on a special initiatives project for Afterschool programs in North Carolina. Our relationship is most unique because although we do not see each other every day we share a common interest and that is improving afterschool programs for young children, and also providing high quality educational opportunities for afterschool providers. Our relationship over the years has developed into one that extends outside the scope of work that we do. We share personal stories of victory, and defeat, and the strength of our relationship is our ability to listen to one another, share openly, and respect each other. At times our relationship experiences the challenges personal commitments, as well as time restraints. We are both very busy, and although we occasionally see each other it is not as frequent as we would like. Although we don’t see each other on a daily basis, when we do connect it is like we have never been apart and that is special. We serve on several boards together, and we work in neighboring counties and as a result we often collaborate on various assignments and special initiatives. Robin is my senior and comes with a variety of experience in addition to a wealth of knowledge regarding child care and child care systems. It is to this end, that she is able to make meaningful contributions and share invaluable insights that

Above is a photo of my college sweetheart, best friend, confidant and spouse and myself at the Forsyth County Country Club (A work sponsored fund raiser for my employer). Thomas and I together have built a very open, loving, and honest relationship built upon trust, and mutual respect. This did not happen overnight, it took time and most of all the essential ingredients for any successful relationship the element of listening, and reflection. Our relationship is positive because there are commonalities that we share such as desiring the best for each other (Love), hobbies, community affiliations, as well as morals and values. In an effort to maintain our positive relationship we both seek opportunities to make personal investments to improve ourselves, which in turn improves us collectively as a couple. More importantly we share the common factor of faith and hope in God that we depend on daily to help us with all of the challenges that life can bring. Not only are we husband and wife, but we are also father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, and friend to mention a few. With all of the responsibilities the aforementioned relationships impose, it becomes imperative for us to carve out special time for just the two of us in order to maintain and enhance our relationship. So as for challenges, they are numerous however we are committed to each other and seek opportunities to learn about ourselves as individuals, as well as a collective unit which helps us to be better teammates who are happily married! What makes our relationship a working partnership is TEAMWORK, we willingly acknowledge that we are a team committed to each other personally and professionally.