I can recall the different environments of play growing up
and the most pleasant that I remember, was at the daycare center. It was fond
memories because of the toys, the environment and the caregivers. I remember
playing with the log cabin blocks and dress up clothes. Then there was my
grandmothers house, she didn’t have toys, but we would play outside, she had
pigs, cows, chickens and a lot of fruit trees. My cousins and I would climb
trees, feed the animals; back then feeding the animals was play time because we
were able to play afterwards and we would get a treat from an aunt or uncle.
Then there was my parents, we didn’t play inside, my siblings and I would play
outside, like riding our bikes, playing basketball or volleyball, we were quite
active outdoors. The providers/teachers
were good role models for me back then, it was always fun and we got to play it
seems all the time.
Today, play would be similar in regards to role models that
the providers/teachers are to my kids and at work, toys and activities are age
appropriate and is something that is expected in schools/daycare centers. I try
to do the same at home only because I see the frustrations of my kids when they
aren’t able to comprehend something, especially when it should be fun. For the
young kids today regarding play, its knowing their developments and interests
that would help the kids with play. For school age kids, it would be
incorporating their interests into other areas of play that they don’t normally
go into.
My thoughts on play is that it is extremely important for
kids to play and learn through play to help them become the adults they are
destined to be. When a child is unable to play, there is something missed for
that person that will affect them as they grow older.
