My Connections to Play

Two quotes that I feel summarize what play represented for my childhood are:

Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.

Kay Redfield Jamison
Contemporary American professor of psychiatry

Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.

O. Fred Donaldson
Contemporary American martial arts master

Three pictures of essential play items from my childhood are a play structure, dress up clothes, and a bike.

-I chose a picture of a play structure because I have many memories of playing on our structure with my brother, neighborhood kids, and all my cousins. I recall always being around family members and playing with other children. It is a special part of my childhood.

-I chose a picture of dress up clothes because I always loved playing dress up with my friends.

-I chose a bike because I remember being outside playing a lot. I loved riding my bike. My cousins lived close by and I remember riding my bike to their house to play.

My parents supported play when I was younger by providing opportunities for me to play even when life was stressful and busy. My parents also were involved in some of my play, which showed me that they valued play too.

Play is different than when I grew up because there are fewer opportunities, more structure, and less freedom. The economy has forced stress on families such as job responsibilities. This added stress has taken away time and energy for families and children to engage in play. After school activities and sports allow for little unstructured playtime. Now team sports start at a younger age than when I grew up. This issue of safety also has affected the freedom of play. Children of toady are not allowed as much freedom outside. We used to ride our bikes to our cousins house and around the neighborhood whereas today parents feel less secure letting their children “roam” unattended. My hope for children regarding play is that they are given many different opportunities to explore their world without unnecessary restrictions.

The role of play is critical in a child’s development. “Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children. Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. It allows them to digest life and make it their own. It is an outlet for the fullness of their creativity, and it is an absolutely critical part of their childhood. With creative play, children blossom and flourish; without it, they suffer a serious decline” (Almon 2002, p.1). As a parent and an educator I will continue to advocate for play in my children’s and student’s lives.

References

Almon, K. (2002). The vital role of play in early childhood education. Gateways, 43. Retrieved from http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf

Strong. (2015). Play Quotes. The Strong National Museun of Play. Retrieved from http://www.museumofplay.org/education/education-and-play-resources/play-quotes

 

Relationship Reflection (Week 1)

Relationship Reflection 

Relationships/partnerships are very important to me. I feel the special relationships I have created over time have helped shape me as a wife, mother, educator, and friend. With strong positive relationships in my life I feel loved, healthy, and content. “There is compelling evidence that strong relationships contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life. Research shows that healthy relationships can help you: live longer, deal with stress, be healthier, and feel richer” (Kreitzer, 2013). 

Two people who have always been a big part of my life and I have very positive relationships with are my mother and father. Factors that have contributed to developing our positive relationship are the way they nurtured me over the years. They showed me how to be an honest, caring person and how to create relationships. They did this by being affectionate, devoted, honest, supportive, and caring individuals. In our relationship my parents supported me, loved me unconditionally, made me feel special by making me a priority, and stayed involved in my activities and my personal life. To contribute to our relationships I show love, affection, support, spend time with them, and have a genuine friendship with each of them. Now that our relationship has matured over time, and I am an adult, I continue to spend quality time with them and love our close bond. To maintain these positive relationships my parents and I are open and honest with each other. We are always there for each other even when times get tough. When one of us is down and grumpy we don’t hold it against each other. We do not hold grudges. Now my own children are benefiting from our relationships. They are learning the same things I did as a child.  I hope my relationships with them continue to grow. I am truly blessed to have my mother and father in my life and the relationships we have created over the years. 

There are challenges to developing and maintaining relationships. Through my experiences I have learned that judging others and not being totally honest causes tension.  “Healthy ways to forge an adult relationship with your parents and enhance what might not always have been the strongest of bonds are to:  think of them as fellow adults, rather than as your parents, talk to your parents as friends, keep your sense of humor, tell your parents what bothers you, don’t ask for advice or opinions unless you really want it, don’t ask for help with your latest personal or financial crisis, and create opportunities for exploring and uncovering memoires. Help your parents preserve their memories on video, express your appreciation, rediscover and share mutual interests, be honest, look for common activities, don’t allow them to channel guilt at you, and grant them their independence too” (Health, 2014).

The relationship with my parents has definitely impacted my work as an early childhood educator. The way I was treated taught me the significance of healthy adult/child interactions. I know that teachers of young children can make a life long difference. I teach children that are at a stage of development where they can be greatly affected by relationships.

References

Health, S. (2014). Maintain a Healthy Relationship With Your Parents. Readers Digest. Retrieved from http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/maintain-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-parents/

Kreitzer, M. (2013). Why Personal Relationships Are Important. Center for Spirituality & Healing. Retrieved from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/relationships/why-personal-relationships-are-important