My Connections to Play

“Play is the highest form of research.” --- Albert Einstein

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” ---George Bernard Shaw

 

“Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. It is an outlet for the fullness of their creativity, and it is an absolutely critical part of their childhood.”---Joan Almon

At my parents house, there was a large old oak tree that I loved playing at.  The trunk was partially out of the ground and it made a great place to sit and play.  There were countless times my cousins and I would dig around the tree, look for objects, and make up stories.  This was also a place to go for comfort for me.  It also made a great place to play hide and seek.

I loved playing with Barbie dolls as a child. I did not have many of them, but my cousin did.  We role played with them and had a great time dressing them and pretended to be fashion designers.  

This is a picture of Norris Lake. My Dad and I spent lots of time fishing here and I loved playing in the dirt and rocks.  

And I could not forget my loom loops! I was a major crafter as a child. Every adult in my life received a potholder during my fourth grade year!

      As a child, I always played. Whether on summer vacation or Saturday, I was always involved in play.  I did not have the latest, greatest toys, but I was always involved in some sort of play.  I remember imagining many situations, and reading lots of books.  I remember not being busy or shuffled to the next activity. I had the experience of play and time to explore.I was always encouraged to play by family members.  It was a way of life.  I also remember playing in kindergarten, a now lost art.  Even in school, my teachers supported play by allowing creativity.

      I believe play is different now.  For one thing, there are safety concerns for outdoor play.  I am not comfortable allowing my own daughter outside by herself for any length of time. Therefore,her play schedule for outdoors must revolve around our schedule. I also think that families are just so busy that the art of play is being lost.  I would love to engage children in a variety of experiences in which they can be expressive and creative.  In the school setting, I would love to see more play implemented into the day.

     Play is important to me even now.  I have a sewing machine that I had to play around with to learn how to use it.  I also engage in fun activities with my family as a time of bonding.  Also, I have to have an outlet for stress, so what better way can I have this than to play? 

Relationship Reflection

            From my English literature courses, I remember what the poet John Donne stated in Meditation XVII, “No man is an island” (quote taken from http://www.online-literature.com/donne/409/).  I believe this to be true.  We are all part of the human race and our actions, or sometimes lack thereof, affect our relationships.  I believe that relationships are crucial in our lives. 

            In my own life I have many important relationships.  The first relationship that is of importance is that with my husband.  We have been married for eight years, and he is the love that I waited for!  He is different from me-outspoken and analytical.  I think this is what makes our relationship so fun.  He compensates for me in my weak areas and I in his.  The biggest barrier we have faced is quality time together.  He works from home now as a medical transcriptionist, and has a flexible schedule.  He used to work in retail on the weekends, and attend college, so our time was limited.  Now I am the one attending college and working full time.  He is creative in the ways we get to spend quality time together.  I must say he is a blessing to me.

            Next is the relationship with my daughter.  She is four years old and is constantly coming up with cute things.  I am a bit biased, but I believe that she is very smart.  She is analytical like her daddy.  Again, one of the challenges we face is quality time.  I have to remind myself that these days with her will never come again, and I need to enjoy every minute of her childhood.  I try to cultivate our relationship by spending time with her and doing things of interest to her.  I am trying to teach her some of the lessons passed down to me by my grandparents and parents.  She is truly a joy-we waited so long for her.

            My parents are a continuing influence in my life.  I do not always agree with everything that they say and do, but I do try to respect them.  I believe that having a respect for them has helped our relationship flourish over the years, even during those hard teenage years.  They have always encouraged me and have given me support even now.  For example I once told them that I was not sure I was going to continue my graduate courses.  Both parents have said, “Go for it!”  and they have always had that attitude.  I always felt accepted and loved by my parents.

            Work relationships are also important to me.  I have a great group of co-workers this year.  We truly are a team.  Our relationship extends beyond school and we are friends.  It is sometimes hard to be honest with others, and I have learned that even when I get mad, it is better to be open and honest rather than let feelings fester.  In thinking about work relationships, my assistant teacher is a very important one to me.  She is very creative and hard working.  I try to listen to her ideas, and implement them as appropriate.  She is also a friend and we have shared many joys and sorrows together.

            I could go on about important relationships (but I won’t since this is getting wordy!).  I feel that having relationships helps us weather the storms of life together, and celebrate the triumphs!  In thinking how relationships impact the role of an early childhood educator, I believe one of the biggest things I have learned from my relationships is respect and quality.  I may not always agree with a parent, but if I have a relationship, I can respectfully disagree.  Respect carries over to the work environment as well.  Additionally, I believe that quality is important.  Taking the time to get to know my students and their families is beneficial. I must take the time to develop quality relationships.