My connections to play

The two quotes that summarize what play represented for me in my childhood are:

a)      “Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it.” (Almon, 2002)

b)      “Children do not play for a reward-praise, money, or food. They play because they like it.” (Wardle, 2010)

Essential play items for my younger self.

My mom was a kindergarten teacher, so she played with me in a very educational way. She used to teach my songs and play bingo or memory game. My aunt was a really important person in my childhood, and we used to play hide and seek, as well as hot and cold. I also used to play soccer with my neighbors, jump the rope, and chases with bikes or running.

Some of the play ideas that I mentioned before at not used at all today. Nowadays kids play with electronic items like iPads, or video games. It is not very common that kids have games and use them with their families. Most of the kids play by themselves, and sometimes with family members but they rarely get together with kids their age. I hope that kids could play in different ways without using electronic items, and they have an opportunity to have game nights with friends and family.

Play was very important to me when I was a child because it helped experience by myself issues I could encounter and solve problems when necessary. As an adult I really enjoy playing mostly mind games, and probing myself to complete a challenge.

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

Wardle, F. (n.d.). Play as curriculum. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=127