- Roald Dahl
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."
- Diane Ackerman
Toys that I loved as a child:
All I remember from my childhood is playing. Playing outside as much as I could. My Grandma played a huge part in my childhood and she encouraged play often. We used to play in the creek and catch salamanders. We would feel them and talk about what color they were. She would explain what they eat and how they have babies. I learned so much by playing with her. When it was rainy outside we would play inside. We would build a fort in the living room and I would take all of the babies to their "new house." She would encourage me to do all types of things such as cooking and cleaning. She even taught me how to sew at an early age. My mother encouraged outside play. She was always telling me to go outside and play with the neighborhood kids. We would ride our bikes, hula hoop, bounce around in moon shoes, and climb trees. I remember us pretending to be all kinds of people. Princesses, Power Rangers, characters from Captain Planet...we had so much fun!
I think play is very much different today than it was when I was growing up. Kids don't roam the neighborhood like I used to because in many places it just isn't safe enough to do that. Outdoor play seems to happen less as more children would rather play video games or computer games.
I think that play made my childhood awesome and I plan to make sure that my children experience the same joy. I also think that my childhood made me the person that I am today. In many ways, I am fearless, which I contribute to all of the trees that I used to climb and giant hills that I used to roller blade down. I am also playful. I love to go skiing and snow tubing. I still love to ride bikes and do so often with my husband. I also enjoy things like amusement parks and state fairs, all of which make me think of my childhood, and how excited I used to get about these things. I feel that having a play filled childhood has contributed to my having a fun, adventurous adulthood full of not just work but...play!
Hello Cassie, sounds like your childhood was very exciting. I think every child should engage in play during their younger years, and let play continue throughout adulthood.
ReplyDeleteCassie, your childhood was reminds me of the awesome adventures I experienced as a child. You understand from those wonderful experiences why as educators of young children we must advocate for the power of play. Parents need our support and guidance to ensure they to know they have a voice in how their children learn.
DeleteHi Cassie,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post. My grandmother was also a huge part of my life and not only did she encourage me to play she took us and was with us on many of our play experiences. Play is very important and it does play a vital part in defining who we are and what we become.
Hello Cassie,
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is still important to incorporate play in our adulthood! Great post!
I remember Cabbage Patch kids! I love watching my 3 year old play with the toys that I played with as a child, and appreciate the fact that she is engaging in fun play. It is important as a parent and as an educator to have a play date and remember the importance of play.
ReplyDelete