“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are
learning.”- Fred Rogers
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a
luxury. Play is a necessity.”- Kay Redfield
“When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations
to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can
be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero.”- Fred Rogers
When
I was younger I was the first-born in my family and had a stay at home mom. My
parents knew how important play was and let me play all the time. I grew up in
Indiana and we had a screened in patio, I would stay out there as long as I
could and play teacher with my dolls. Once my brother was born then became my
student. I would have them draw pictures, write their letters and even try to
ready. I even tried to make a projector with a mirror. When I wasn’t playing
school I was playing outside in the backyard or out in the woods. I would also
play with my Nano baby and make sure that it was always taken care of. I guess
you can say that my parents always let me use my imagination and play as much
as I wanted.
My
family also knew how much I loved to play school so they would always get me
gifts that I could use in my “classroom”. My family would also take me to the
local teacher store to pretend that I was a real teacher. If I didn’t have
these experiences I don’t believe that teaching would come as naturally to me
as it does now. I am so thankful for the experiences that I was given as a
child and the freedom to play, learn and use my imagination.
I
feel that play today is so different than when I was younger. Now play has so
much to do with sitting in front of something that has batteries or plugs into
an outlet. Parents let children be lazy and sit in front of a video game or the
TV. They are not explaining how important it is get outside and use their
imagination. On the other hand I do see some great teachers that incorporate
playing at school. These teachers are teaching the children how to play and use
their imagination.
Now that I am older and have a child of my own I realize how important play is. We play all the time and I make sure that he is getting outside to play. I make sure that the TV is off and that he is using his imagination to play. It has also taught me how to play again and take life a little less seriously in those minutes.
Now that I am older and have a child of my own I realize how important play is. We play all the time and I make sure that he is getting outside to play. I make sure that the TV is off and that he is using his imagination to play. It has also taught me how to play again and take life a little less seriously in those minutes.
Hi Lauren, Those quotes are beautiful especially the first one. It’s amazing how children do learn when they ‘practice’ through play. They utilize all their muscles, large and small motor skills and logic. When you pretended to be a teacher, you were inspired, thrilled and now you became a teacher today. Jay…
ReplyDeleteYour blog reminds me of how I played school! If I couldn't be the teacher, I wouldn't play! My younger brother was also my student, but he quickly got tired of that. My older sister always wanted to be the teacher, but I would have no parts of that. I ended up being the teacher to my dolls! Looking back, I think my sister (being so bossy) took away from my creativity - -- that's why I had to use dolls as my students! I do believe that teacher are "born" for the job. It seems every teacher I know liked to play school as a child!
ReplyDeleteI read your profile first, we seem to be about the same age. I've taught Pre-K for 4 years and have a 4 year old daughter. I was also a single mother for a while. It's kind of hard and after I read this I especially enjoyed seeing that you make sure your child plays and not on things with batteries and involve sitting. So many single parents don't have time for their children, they are focused on other things like finding a significant other, and I've been there I know. But I'm glad you are putting your child first and making sure he gets to experience that REAL meaning of play! Great post!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to congradulate all of the single moms out there. Being a mother, teaching, and going to school is difficult. I am also am a single mother of an 11 year old boy and one on the way in June so I know how tough it can be.
ReplyDeleteBut, play is a great way to help teach our children. I allows them to be theirself and have fun while learning.
I loved reading your post. I used to play school a lot when I was younger as well. Then when I was of age to babysit, thats all i would do. I love children.