My Connection to Play

Two Quotes that summarize what play represented for me in my childhood

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)

Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)

During my childhood play was something we just did. I never remember a time when we didn’t get to play. There was time allocated to play at school, at home, and at friend’s houses. My parents didn’t know about the learning associated with play, they knew children should get out there and play and play I did.  I feel through play during my early childhood years have made me well rounded and I thank my family for giving me the opportunity to learn through play. It was important to me and guided the choices I still make today.

All the paper I could find to teach my imaginary students or my stuff animals

and lots of markers, pens, and pencils.

                                  

The on different between play today and play when I grew up is technology. I didn’t have the technological gadgets when I grew up. Children have more opportunities today than I did, but play can be basically the same and have the same developmental effects.

Play had a great affect on my life. I was given the opportunity to express myself through play. My cousin and I often played school with our imaginary students. I think that’s why I want to be teacher today because I enjoyed playing school as a child. My cousin who played school with  me went to college and  has been a teacher for over 15 years. I want to think through play I found my passion for teaching at a early age.

Relationship Reflection

I will begin my blog by saying having positive relationships and partnership throughout my life has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I never remember a time that I didn’t have someone there for me. My mom and dad has a great relationship and partnership. They instill in me values that has made into the person I am today.  They have always told me in order to have a great relationship you must form a partnership and learn that it is a lot of give and take.  

Over the, years even with my own family, I have learn that forming relationships with my husband, my daughter and colleagues that it is a work in progress. I have learned through my experiences to always keep the lines of communication open, and sometimes you have to put the needs of other before your own.  I believe you learn by example. The example my mom and dad set for me many years go and the relationship and partnership that they have shared for over 43 years is what I model my family by. We are family that believe that a “Family that Prays together will Stay together.

I believe I can take what I know about relationships and partnership and apply it to being a great early childhood professional.