“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.
Tarsha,
ReplyDeleteI like the quotation you posted about" it is not much about the children learn through play but what they won't learn if we don't give them the chance to play. This is really true, we should give children the time and opportunity to play. We were fortunate that we had the time and a chance to play outdoors using authentic materials and objects. Life is so simple then but full of memories and the experienced is priceless. Just like you, I had so much fun when I was little.
Thank you for sharing your childhood experiences and for showing the importance of play in your life that led you to handle situations with your staff and coworkers.
I hope that by the end of this course or program, that educators like us can make a difference in children's life by advocating the implementation of programs that promote play as part of our curriculum.
Again, thank you for your post.
I love your account of play during your childhood years. I was also one of those children who was allowed to play until "the street lights turn on". I also grew up in a great neighborhood where everyone knew everyone else and looked out for others. I think that you are right, that children today are not afforded the same freedoms that we were as children due to the threat of abduction, drugs, violence or pedophiles. Whether these threats are real or perceived, they are a part of our modern lives. It's a different world, but there is still room for play.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post. We played many of the same games. It is so sad that people have made it so dangerous for children that they have to be guarded and restricted from many of the play opportunities we had.
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