Play

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.