My Connections To Play

                                                           

                                             

"In our play we reveal what kind of people we are."

-Ovid (Roman Poet)

"Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity."

-Kay Redfield Jamison

These quotes prove to be true for my life. As a child, I loved to play school. I would gather my younger sister and cousins in front of my chalkboard easel. Since I was considerably older than them, I was able to teach them everything I learned in school. I loved to write on the chalkboard because it made me feel like a real teacher. I would ask them questions while I was reading and give them assignments. My sister and cousins were cooperative students who loved to learn about what they called, "older kids' stuff."

I can remember the Christmas that I received my chalkboard easel. I was so happy and then so disappointed because the chalk was not included (smile). But, when I finally got the chalk I was able to practice at an early age what I do everyday. I had a lot of opportunities to improve my teaching techniques and model my teachers during play. I am thankful that my mom encouraged my play by continuously supplying me with chalk and erasers. (To this day, she doesn't know how I could go through a box of chalk so fast!) Now, I am doing what I loved to do since I was a child. My play has become my reality.

Looking at my childhood, I realize how important play is for children today. We truly do show who we are when we play. We discover our interest and what makes us happy, which eventually leads to our occupations. If we don't give children these experiences, how will they know who they are? It is my hope that young children will be more involved in active play. They will put down the video games and use their imaginations to transform reality. Only then will they discover who they are. 

Relationship Reflection

This post is dedicated to the positive girls in my life. I am truly grateful for our relationship.

Susan (Mom) and Elandra (Best Friend)

Relationships/partnerships are important to me because they provide me with the support I need to be successful in my personal life.  Without the support of those who are close to me, I would have given up on several goals. The love and encouragement that I have received from those people I have a relationship with has helped me get through many hard days.

Those two people with whom I currently have a positive relationship is my mother and my best friend.  These relationships are positive because they involve advice, criticism, and encouragement. We do not seek to harm each other, but help in any way possible. The relationships are maintained through respectful two-way communication. We take turns listening and responding to each other. We also trust each other enough to feel comfortable sharing personal information.  There is a shared understanding that secrets will remain secrets. Most importantly, we respect each other's opinions and are not easily offended by criticisms because they are done in love.  If issues arise that can affect the relationship, we address them immediately.

These relationships have helped me to be a more effective communicator as an early childhood professional. I listen to others and consider their point of view instead of being judgemental. The benefits of the positive relationships with my mom and best friend have made me more willing to form additional partnerships.  I now see families as a resource in promoting the healthy development of the child because they can provide knowledge and advice. As we work together we can support and encourage each other.