- Select two quotes that you feel summarize what play represented for you in childhood.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~Author Unknown~
“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” ~Plato~
- Include two to three pictures of essential play items for your younger self.
- Describe how people supported play when you were younger and/or the role of play in your childhood.
I was very blessed as a child to have wonderful parents that embraced my eagerness to play at every chance I got. I was involved in several sports such as basketball, softball, soccer and gymnastic. My dad, who is an amazing father taught me how to play every sport I took intrest in; my mom was there for every practice and game, cheering me on. I was never forced to grow up, only taught to enjoy my childhood because they would be the best years of my life. My moms said that several times a week growing up and she says it now to her grand kids.
- Write a brief entry on how you feel play today is similar or different from the play in which you engaged as a child and what your hope for young is now with regard to play.
Play today is totally different from play from my childhood, today they have so many game systems to keep kids in the house. When I was a child we did have video games, however we spent the majority of our time outside; we used our imagination and developed crazy games. Today, the rate of obesity is greater than it has ever been. There are just too many games in front of the TV and not enough physical activity. I nephews would rather stay in the house all day on a beautiful sunny day and play their game system than go outside and play. They always say, "there is nothing to do outside." There is everyting to do outside!!!
- Include your thoughts regarding the role of play throughout your life and/or the role of play throughout childhood and adulthood.
Today I am a mother of two wild and energetic boys (ages 3 and 17 months). As a child I was outside enjoying my environment, just running, playing and having fun. That is how I still am today, I do not like being in the house on a nice day outside. I want to get out enjoy the environment. I believe it is healthier for my children as well as myself, I love seeing them run and explore nature. My 3 year old just loves absorbing information, so we use our outside time as an learning experience. He asks tons of questions about the wind, bugs, grass, the moon and sun; just to name a few. Getting outside just makes me feel better, I love running and playing with my children.
