My Connections to Play

I tried to teach my child with books,

He gave me only puzzled looks.

I tried to teach my child with words,

They passed him by often unheard.

Despairingly I turned aside,

How shall I teach this child, I cried.

Into my hands he put the key,

“Come”, he said, “play with me!”

-Author Unknown

These are a few of the toys that I played with while growing up in the 70's and 80's.  Although I had plenty of toys growing up, my brothers, my friends and I spent the majority of our time outside- riding bikes, jumping in mud puddles, swimming, running through fields, sled riding and building forts.  We would stay outside in the summer and winter and would only come inside once it became dark.  I can remember my neighbor and I using our imagination to turn her families' shed into a school.  Not surprisely, we are now both educators. Growing up in a rural area and living on farms, we had a large area that we could explore.  I can remember spending hours playing as a young child and I look back now and realize that it was one of the best times of my life.   I think that in today's  world many children have so many toys and electronics that they aren't using their imaginations in play.   They also spend much of their time in play that is not active.  As I am raising my own children, I want them to spend plenty of time outside playing and have opportunities to use their imaginations.  I know as an adult I still like to play and I enjoy spending time playing with my kids. I think play for young children is an important part of growing up and learning.  I think adults can benefit from play too.  I think it helps with productivity and creativity.  

“If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play”
― John Cleese

Play Today?

You say you love your children,

And are concerned they learn today?

So are we- that's why we're providing

A variety of kinds of play.

You're asking us the value

Of blocks and other such toys?

Your children are solving problems.

They will use that skill everyday.

You're asking us what's the value

of having your children play?

Your daughter's creating a tower;

she may be a builder someday.

You're questioning the interest centers;

They just look like useless play?

Your children are making choices;

They will be on their own someday.

You're worried your children aren't learning;

An later they'll have to pay?

They're learning a pattern for learning;

For they will be learners always!

by Leila P. Fagg

Relationship Reflection

"The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships" - Anthony Robbins

This quote really expresses how important relationships are to me.  My friends and my family members make my life so much more full-filling.  The relationships that are important to me are my friendship with my best friend Britt, my connections with my Mom and Dad and brothers,  and the relationships with my husband and kids.  When I think about these relationships each one provides something special in my life.  My best friend, Britt, has been a friend since preschool.  We have grown up together and shared so many experiences.  We have laughed and cried.  She is someone who I have been able to confide in and talk with about anything.

 My parents and my brothers have been a source of support for me.  When I have an important decision to make, I still talk to them for guidance and support.

My relationships with my kids are the ones that give me the greatest sense of joy and accomplishment.  The love that I feel for them is unlike any other that I have in my life.

 

The relationship I have with my husband is the one however that I would characterize to be the most like a partnership.   Our relationship is one of give and take, trust, mutual love and support.

Relationships take work to maintain. Through experience I have found that there are some things that help to build relationships.  First, both sides need to contribute.  Second, good communication is an essential element.  Finally, there also needs to be a feeling of trust and a commitment to make the relationship work.

In the same way in which I have maintained relationships in my personal life, I have used the same commitment in my work in the early childhood field.  I work to establish relationships through communication and trust with children, co-workers, families and others.