"A child who does not play is not a child, but the man who does not play has lost forever the child who lived in him." -Pablo Neruda
"It is in playing, and only in playing, that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self."
D.W. Winnicott
I grew up as an only child. In my opinion, my parents had pity on me and would get me any and every toy or craft project I wanted. I grew up in rural Mississippi, so I was always outside playing with nature in a sense. I would catch tadpoles or would try to create fire with sticks. I loved my swing set. I was allowed to participate in numerous activities and my Mom always took the time out to schedule special days where just she and I would have the opportunity to do something creative, usually a craft. My Dad was in the Army and was away a lot, but when he was home, his idea of playing was going fishing, so I also grew up fishing. I remember having imaginary friends as a child, I guess to help with the loneliness of being an only child. My Mom always tells the story when I first went to preschool as a 3 year old, I cried because I did not want to go home; apparently I enjoyed the activities that much! I think play was a huge part of my development and creativity; I was able to explore and grow into a unique individual. I truly believe I can see some of the benefits of play as I am now an adult. I enjoy things that are hands on, I enjoy being outside, I do not like restrictions on certain projects I am given, I have an out of the box type way of thinking....I think these are all results of play as a young child.
I think that play today is TOTALLY different that it was when I was younger. I honestly do not think children understand how to play if it doesn't involve some type of electronic device. I think when I was growing up, there was more play done outside without toys and now a days, children seems to dread having to go outside and play; they want to stay inside. I would hope that with all of the initiatives that are coming out to help children understand and enjoy active physical activity, especially outside activities, children will once again have hearts filled with the enjoyment of simply playing.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I would have to say that I agree with you about children being connected to electronic devices. Your point is actually the same I used in mine. It's sad to know that children can't get into nature and such just as you did when you were young.
Thanks for the post, I enjoyed it :)
Beki
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteI agree that children don't feel that they can play if its not an electronic devices involved. But I feel that parent and teacher should encourage them to play without the use of electronics or technology. I use the board game Trouble to reinforce counting and colors with my daughter she loved it.
I definitely agree that most children these days prefer to play with electronic games. I believe that if outdoor games are encouraged by parents and caregivers actually involved in the games, it will make a lot of difference by giving them a different mindset.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteI agree that many children seem to prefer to stay inside. I think a talented educator can make the outdoors more appealing to young children by giving them experiences that are new and fun, while they are still learning. An example may be a walking field trip to a pond, or perhaps a mud hole that the children make on the playground.